§ 22. Mr. WILKIEasked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that there are complaints amongst the commercial and business circles in Newcastle-on-Tyne as to the frequent breakdowns in the telephone service and the delay in having them repaired; and if he will make such arrangements as will ensure a quicker and more effective service?
The ASSISTANT POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Pike Pease)There have, of course, been special causes of disturbance in the North-East of England, and there is great pressure of telephone work there in connection with naval and military requirements and the supply of munitions. But my right hon. Friend is not aware of any general complaints in respect of the telephone service at Newcastle-on-Tyne, and he would be obliged to the hon. Member if he would send him further particulars.
§ 24. Mr. WILKIEasked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that recently the Chief Constable of Newcastle-on-Tyne arranged with the Post Office authorities at Newcastle for an additional telephone in one of the superintendent's residence, and, after arrangements had been come to as to cost of the same, the Post Office authorities resiled from the arrangement without giving any adequate reason and charged 25s. more than the original arrangement, while a telephone was installed in the house next door at a lesser figure; and will he make inquiries into the matter?
Mr. PIKE PEASEMy right hon. Friend's attention had not been called to this case prior to the hon. Member's question, but he is making inquiry, and will communicate with the hon. Member.
§ 25. Mr. SNOWDENasked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that there is disaffection among the women clerks in the office of the Controller of the London Telephone Service on account of the alleged favouritism on the part of the lady superintendent, and that on the recommendation of this official a clerk has just been specially appointed to the post of principal clerk though she had only twelve months' service as first-class clerk, to which post also she was specially promoted, and that in making the appointment of this clerk to the post of principal clerk twenty-six first-class clerks of greater experience and seniority were passed over; if, among these clerks, there were many who have performed the duties of principal clerk temporarily; and will he cause an inquiry to be made into these allegations?
Mr. PIKE PEASEAll the circumstances were known and duly considered before the promotion was authorised. The clerk in question was selected for promotion on the recommendation of the Controller of the London Telephone Service because she had shown herself to possess outstanding abilities superior to those of any other member of her class.