HC Deb 12 November 1912 vol 43 cc1814-5
78. Mr. COOPER

asked the Postmaster-General if he will state the date when the canvass was completed in Bloxwich, in the borough of Walsall, for the purpose of ascertaining what support would be forthcoming for a telephone exchange; does the result of that canvass justify the opening of an exchange in Bloxwich; and, if so, when he expects it to be opened?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

The canvass for subscribers to the proposed exchange at Bloxwich was completed in April last. Certain engineering and financial questions then arose which required careful consideration, and it has not yet been practicable to proceed with the work. I am, however, taking steps to expedite the matter.

84. Mr. JOWETT

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that in certain cases labourers and unestablished wiremen in the telephone department are being transferred from Bradford to Pontefract, Don-caster, and Lincoln, at lodging allowance I rates of 6d. and 8d. per night; and if he will consider the desirability of increasing these sums so as to make them reasonable for the purpose?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

The hon. Member has apparently been misinformed. The men in question are in receipt of lodging allowances of 1s. a night, which is the maximum rate authorised for their grades.

85. Mr. JOWETT

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that the Engineer-in-Chief to the Post Office has issued a circular to the superintendent engineer directing executive engineers, in granting lodging allowances to the construction staff of the telephone department, to grant similar allowances to those paid by the late National Telephone Company; if he is aware that this is not being done; and, if so, what action does he propose to take in the matter?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

The instruction given was to the effect that sectional engineers should make inquiry as to the adequacy of the Post Office lodging allowances in localities where the National Telephone Company were in the habit of paying higher allowances. Some time will elapse before the result of these inquiries is known.