§ Mr. MARTINasked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the proposed abolition of the supplementary clerical staffs in a large number of departments in London, what duties these staffs will perform in future; whether the responsible heads of the departments concerned were taken into consultation upon this matter; and, if not, from what source the recommendations which led to such a drastic revision were derived; and whether any details will be laid before the House?
§ The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Herbert Samuel)The officers of the supplementary clerical force in the departments in which it is not proposed to perpetuate that force will, pending opportunities for transfer or other means of absorption, continue to perform the duties hitherto allotted to them. The changes to which the hon. Member refers were the result of consultation with the heads of the departments concerned, supplemented by inspection of the work performed. The alterations will be shown in the usual manner in the Post Office Estimates.