§ MR. A. ROCHETo ask the Postmaster-General if he will issue a Return showing the delay on the telegraphic work dealt with in the Cork post office during the period 29th June to 11th July, and if he will say if such delay was abnormal, and what were the causes; can he also give the number of hours overtime performed daily in the telegraph office during this period; is he aware that members of the Cork telegraph staff are compelled to work three and four hours overtime per diem; and, if so, will he consider the advisability of increasing the staff of the Cork telegraph office.
(Answered by Mr. Sydney Buxton.) During the period in question some unusual delay occurred, resulting mainly from wire failures and from the handing in of press matter of which notice had not been given. The average daily amount of overtime performed in the instrument room during the period stated was seventy-three hours. No officer was compelled to work overtime. 1455 A revision of the Cork indoor force is now being prepared, which I hope will do much to diminish the overtime.