MR. GIBSON BOWLES (Lynn Regis)To ask the Postmaster-General were extensive electrical works carried out by the Post Office in Portsmouth Dockyard between May and September, 1904; if so, for what purposes were these works undertaken; what was the total cost of them; what was the total amount of wages expended on the works; how many men were employed thereon and for how many days; and what overtime was paid for.
(Answered by Lord Stanley.) Extensive telegraph works were carried out in Portsmouth Dockyard by the Post Office engineering staff during 1904 and the 223 early part of this year. The purposes were to reconstruct on modern principles the telephone systems of the Admiralty and War Department, and to render communication more rapid and more efficient. The total cost was about £7,500. I am unable to give the other details, for which the hon. Member asks, without a special examination of accounts, which would involve a considerable expenditure of time and money.