§ Mr. AUGUSTINE ROCHEasked the Postmaster-General how many civilians have been replaced by military men in the telegraph service in Ireland during the past 12 months; whether, considering the dearth of employment in Ireland, the admitted superiority of civilians for the work, and the feeling of resentment entertained by the people, he will discontinue the practice in Ireland?
§ Mr. BUXTONI have already fully explained to the House the reasons why certain Royal Engineers are taking up telegraph work in Ireland. Up to the present six civilian engineers and linemen have been replaced by Royal Engineers officers and men in the telegraph service of Ireland.
§ Mr. FLYNNMay I ask whether a number of civilians, married men with families, in Cork have not been replaced by these military men?
§ Mr. BUXTONOf course it is inevitable when a change of this kind is taking place 413 that some people should be replaced. But we have endeavoured to meet the convenience of all concerned.
§ Mr. BUXTONThat is incorrect. That point was raised in the Debate the other day, and I pointed out that the work done by the Royal Engineers in the South of England was of the highest possible class, and certainly as good as was done by other men previously.
§ Mr. BUXTONExactly the same thing occurred wherever a change of this kind was made. We have paid the greatest possible consideration to those concerned.
§ Mr. KILBRIDEMay I ask if the civilians in Cork have been replaced by military men on account of the fear of hon. Gentleman above the Gangway of a German invasion of Ireland?