HC Deb 21 May 1914 vol 62 cc2124-5
71. Mr. BURGOYNE

asked the Postmaster-General if he has considered the advisability of publishing monthly supplements to the telephone directory, and what decision he has arrived at?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

The practice of issuing regular supplements to telephone directories has been tried and abandoned by many telephone administrations throughout the world, including the British Post Office and the National Telephone Company, Very few telephone subscribers will refer to the supplement. Arrangements are made to keep lists of subscribers with daily corrections and additions at telephone exchanges in order that information as regards subscribers' numbers may be afforded on application there. These arrangements seem best to meet practical requirements.

73. Mr. REDDY

asked the Postmaster-General what stops have been taken to establish a telephone service in Birr; whether he is aware that it is nearly twelve months since the matter was supposed to be arranged; and will he state what is the cause of this delay in setting up the service in this town?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

Sufficient support has been obtained to justify the provision of an Exchange at Birr, but there is difficulty in arranging for its accommodation and for attendance. I hope, however, that a solution of this difficulty will shortly be found.

Mr. REDDY

When?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

Shortly.

76. Lord ROBERT CECIL

asked how many girls of the probationer class are employed in the Manchester Telephone Exchange at a wage of 5s. a week, of what age they are, what hours they work, and what is the class of work which they do?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

Five girl probationers are employed in the Manchester Trunk Telephone Exchange at a wage of 5s. a week, rising by increments of 1s. a week to 8s. a week. The limits of age for appointment are fourteen to sixteen. The normal hours of duty are thirty-six weekly. The girl probationers at Manchester are mainly employed in collecting and distributing telephone tickets, but in order to afford them relief from continuous standing they are also employed on simple ticket sorting and switching work.