§ 56. Sir J. D. REESasked the Postmaster-General, whether he is aware that many of the telephone factory hands who are about to be moved from Nottingham to Birmingham are natives of the former town, where they have been employed for many years; that many of them are unable to move to Birmingham for financial reasons; and whether he can see his way to take any and, if so, what steps to mitigate the hardships imposed by this transfer, and to obtain accommodation in Birmingham for those transferred?
§ The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Herbert Samuel)I do not know how many of the staff of the Nottingham factory are natives of that town, and I am not aware that many are unable to move to Birmingham for financial reasons. Removal expenses will be borne by the Post Office. Nor is it to be anticipated that any real difficulty will be experienced by the staff obtaining accommodation in Birmingham. I am informed that the transfer, which is essential for administrative reasons, is welcomed by the majority of the persons concerned, who will perform their work at Birmingham in much more comfort than is possible in the existing building at Nottingham.
57. Sir GILBERT PARKERasked the Postmaster-General whether he has taken into consideration the fact that the change in telephone numbers proposed for January next will be a matter of considerable expense to those who have already had their letter-paper stamped in quantities and who will also be subject to the expense of a new die?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELThe transfer of subscribers to the new Regent Exchange may put some among them to some inconvenience and expense, but the transfer is indispensable if the service is to be efficiently conducted. Three months' notice has been given to the subscribers concerned.
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELIf there are any exceptional circumstances.
§ 58. Mr. WHITEHOUSEasked whether the telephone subscribers in Cambuslang are no longer allowed to use the Glasgow area without extra charge; and, if so, whether this new arrangement is intended to be permanent?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELNew telephone subscribers in Cambuslang are required to subscribe at the current tariff which involves the payment of junction line fees on calls to exchanges in the Glasgow area other than Cambuslang, Shettleston, and Baillieston. This arrangement, which has been in force for the last two years, will come under review in connection with the general revision of rates which I have promised.