§ MR SLOANTo ask the Postmaster-General, with reference to the administration of the Strabane post office, whether he is aware that daily between the hours of 2.45 a.m. and 5 a.m. the heaviest incoming and despatch of mails and parcels in the twenty-four hours takes place; that the former consists generally of seven large bags, which, on the occasion of the arrival of the American mails, is increased to nine bags, and twelve parcels baskets, whilst the despatch between these hours amounts to thirty-two bags and, on an average, about twelve parcels baskets, whilst to cope with this volume of work a staff of four telegraphists is provided; that not infrequently a junior telegraphist, assisted by two season substitutes and a learner, have been listed to dispose of the work without the aid of a senior officer; that a senior official is not due on duty earlier than 8 a.m.; whether, if the surveyor of the district is responsible for the proper distribution of the staff of an office, he can explain under what circumstauces, during the period within which the greatest pressure of mails takes place, it is without the service of a senior and responsible officer; and, in addition to the postmaster, how many of the latter are attached to the Strabane office and to what period are their hours of attendance confined.
(Answered by Mr. Sydney Buxton.) I am having inquiry made on the subject, and will furnish the hon. Member with a reply as soon as possible.