§ MR. JAMES O'CONNOR (Wicklow, W.)To ask the Postmaster-General whether it is the intention of the Department to reduce the established female telegraph staff at Belfast by three appointments; whether he is aware that there are at that office five female learners and one substitute, who have been waiting for appointments from two and a half to three and a half years; and whether he will give instructions that the lapsing of any appointments that may become vacant shall be deferred until those now waiting have been placed on the established staff.
(Answered by Mr. Sydney Buxton.) I will have inquiry made with regard to the staff at Belfast, and I will let the hon. 388 Member know the result as soon as possible. I cannot, of course, create appointments not warranted by the work in order to provide places for learners, however much I may regret that in certain circumstances their promotion is very slow.