MR. T. F. RICHARDS (Wolver-hampton, W.)To ask the Postmaster-General whether, seeing that on 15th May, 1906, he stated that he was considering a scheme for the separation of the Birmingham telegraph staff from the postal staff, and in view of the inconveniences suffered by the junior members of the telegraph staff, he will state when the scheme promised fourteen months ago will be published and put into execution.
§ (Answered by Mr. Sydney Buxton.) The staff of male sorting clerks and telegraphists at Birmingham has been definitely divided between the postal and telegraph sides of the office. Of course an officer attached to the telegraph side of the office is liable to be called upon to work on the postal side, or vice versa, if the exigencies of the service require it.