§ Mr. HUDSONasked the Postmaster-General whether it was intended to allocate to the engineering branch in Newcastle-on-Tyne certain testing and repeater duties at present performed by telegraph overseers and assistant superintendents; whether this would involve a loss to the telegraph branch of six superior appointments; and, in view of the fact that the work was being efficiently performed and that over 40 per cent. of the staff were at their maximum, would he inquire into the necessity for this reduction of the prospects of the telegraph staff?
§ Captain NORTONThere is no intention of allocating to the engineering branch at Newcastle-on-Tyne the repeater duties at present performed by telegraph overseers and assistant superintendents. The question of the future arrangements to be made for telephone testing is now receiving the consideration of my right hon. Friend, but no decision has yet been arrived at.