§ MR. YOXALL (Nottingham, W.)To ask the Postmaster-General whether he has decided to transfer a number of telegraphists from certain towns to offices in other districts; if so, whether he can state what monetary compensation he proposes to give to telegraphists who are to be compelled to leave the places in which the have resided for a number of years; and whether he will take steps that such transfers shall not interfere with the prospects of promotion and position on the seniority list of the telegraphists at the offices to which the transfers are sent.
(Answered by Lord Stanley.) As the result of a general falling off in telegraph business throughout the country, the staff of telegraphists in some towns is more than sufficient for the work. The officers thus rendered redundant cannot be allowed to remain idle; and if they cannot be employed on postal work in the same office they must be transferred to some other office where work can be found for them. The interests of such officers are considered as far as possible, but I do not consider that any monetary compensation is due to them, since they are liable to employment wherever they 739 are required; but they will be allowed to retain their seniority, and their actual and reasonable removal expenses will be paid. It is always the case that circumstances arising from the exigencies of the Service may affect favourably or unfavourably the prospcets of the staff; and I do not consider that any special measures are necessary in the interests of the staff at the places to which the officers I have mentioned are transferred.