§ DR. SHIPMAN (Northampton)To-ask the Postmaster General whether the question of telegraphists being compelled to perform postal duties, which was discussed at a recent interview between the secretariat of the Post Office and the executive of the Postal Telegraph Clerks' Association, is still under his consideration; and whether, pending his decision, he will instruct the surveyor for the Northampton district not to seek explanations from any individual member of the Northampton telegraph staff.
(Answered by Mr. Sydney Buxton.) At the interview in question the representatives of the Postal Telegraph Clerks' Association urged that at offices where division of the staff into postal and telegraph classes is not possible the amalgamation should be real throughout, and that opportunities should be given to each man to qualify in all the duties. Full opportunities have been given at Northampton, dating from the beginning of 1905, with the object of real amalgamation, and the postmaster of Northampton therefore acted correctly in calling for an explanation from those officers who had, in his opinion neglected the opportunities afforded them for qualifying.