§ MR. HUDSON (Newcastle-on-Tyne)To ask the Postmaster-General whether 811 he is aware that for some years past the established clerical staff in the provincial superintending engineers' offices has been insufficient to meet the work in that Department; that temporary assistance in the shape of sorting clerks and telegraphists, Second Division clerks, boy clerks, and the employment of casual clerks from outside the service, has failed to adequately fill the breach, and that the members of the permanent clerical staff are obliged to perform continuous overtime; and if he can say when the bringing up of the establishment to the required strength may be expected.
(Answered by Mr. Sydney Buxton). I am aware and regret that for some time there has been heavy pressure of work on the established clerical staff in the provincial superintending engineers' offices and that there has been a considerable amount of overtime work; but proposals for a revision of the Engineering Department, including the clerical force, have been received, and I hope that before very long the establishment will be brought up to the required strength.