HC Deb 24 July 1912 vol 41 c1169
72. Mr. ROBERT THOMPSON

asked the Postmaster-General if, having regard to the delays in the deliveries of important commercial telegrams at Belfast, together with the amount of overtime worked by the postal telegraph clerks, he can say when he proposes to carry out the revision and increase of this staff, as promised by him in answer to a deputation of the Postal Telegraph Clerks' Association when on a visit to Belfast in October of last year; whether he is aware that in the year 1911 the instrument-room staff worked 20,600 hours' overtime; that during the first months of the present year overtime has increased by ten times the amount worked during the corresponding period of last year; if he is aware that notwithstanding this overtime outgoing telegrams are delayed as much as sixty minutes; that important Press telegrams are not transcribed for as much as sixty-three minutes after their receipt; and, inasmuch as these delays represent the general condition of affairs daily, will he promise a remedy?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

I am having inquiry made, and will communicate further with the hon. Member. A small addition to the staff has already been authorised.

Mr. R. THOMPSON

This question is a very important one. I have received a telegram to-day showing the delay.

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member cannot make a speech now on the subject.