28. Mr. WILLIAM REDMONDasked the Postmaster-General if his attention has been called to the proposal to hand over the telephone system on the Clare Railways to the Royal Engineers; whether hitherto this system has been worked satisfactorily by a lay staff; and why is the change to be made?
§ The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Herbert Samuel)My attention has been called to the proposal mentioned, but there is, I think, some misunderstanding. The telephones in question are maintained by a civilian lineman, and the only proposal made is that he should exchange stations with a Royal Engineer lineman, now employed on another section. Such a change, if it be made at all, would be in the ordinary course and marks no new policy.
§ Mr. LYNCHMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he is aware that the proposed change meets with great disfavour throughout the whole of the county?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELI think that the proposed change is not understood. I hope that this answer I have given to-day will make it clear.