HC Deb 27 November 1911 vol 32 cc16-7
Mr. KEIR HARDIE

asked the Postmaster-General whether four men attached to the Royal Engineers were employed at the Cardiff office in dealing with public telegrams; whether Post Office pay was given to these men; and whether he would state what were the terms of the arrangement made in 1877, under which these men were employed?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

Under an arrangement which has been in existence since 1878 and which was intended to give the members of the Telegraph Battalion of the Royal Engineers opportunities to acquire up-to-date telegraphic skill and knowledge which they would not be able to acquire in the performance of ordinary military duties, sixty men have been employed by the Post Office in various provincial towns. Four of these men are employed at Cardiff. Whilst so employed they receive their pay as soldiers with an addition from the Post Office for their telegraphic duties.

Mr. KEIR HARDIE

Do not these men displace civilians?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

These men are not employed in place of civilians.