HC Deb 05 May 1908 vol 188 cc65-6
MR. CLAUDE HAY

I beg to ask the Postmaster-General whether a notice was issued by his authority that no more foreigners would be allowed to take up duty in the Post Office service, and the date of such notice, if any; whether a Frenchman has been put on duty as a night telephonist in the trunk exchange; whether more foreigners are to be appointed; and whether he will take steps in the public interest to insure that State servants in his department shall be British citizens.

MR. SYDNEY BUXTON

A notice was issued on the 28th of March, 1905, that aliens are not eligible for appointments to any permanent and established position in the Post Office. As I informed the hon. Member in reply to his Question of the 30th ultimo, for special reasons there are two Frenchmen among the staff by whom the Continental telephone lines are worked at night. The situations filled by these men are unestablished situations. There is no intention at present of increasing the number. Foreigners are not selected for any situation in the Post Office for which suitable British subjects are available.

MR. CLAUDE HAY

Are these two Frenchmen to be permanently employed? And will the right hon. Gentleman say what steps have been taken to ensure that duly qualified British subjects shall be able to conduct the foreign side of telephone work?

MR. SYDNEY BUXTON

I explained that the two Frenchmen were employed for special reasons at this particular telephone exchange. If we can dispense with their services naturally we shall prefer to employ British subjects. I cannot give any promise as to when that will be. They will be kept on as long as is necessary.

MR. CLAUDE HAY

Are they to be permanently employed or not?

MR. SYDNEY BUXTON

They will be employed as long as we require them.

MR. CLAUDE HAY

And how long will that be?

MR. SYDNEY BUXTON

I cannot say.