§ MR. SEDDON (Lancashire, Newton)To ask the Postmaster-General whether he will state the manner in which telephonists employed in provincial offices are recruited; whether local postmasters have the power of selection delegated to them; and whether, if this is the case, any steps are taken to eliminate preference being shown to individuals.
(Answered by Mr. Sydney Bux'on.) Telephonists in provincial post offices are recruited from among candidates whose names have been recorded by the local postmasters; and, provided they are suitable and eligible under the regulations, they are selected, on the occurrence of vacancies, in the order in which they have made application. I have no reason to suppose that postmasters show improper preference.