HC Deb 31 January 1918 vol 101 c1741
62. Mr. HOUSTON

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that telephone operators are employed by their superiors during working hours in waiting in queues for margarine, bacon, etc., when they should be attending to their public duties; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take to prevent the continuance of this practice?

Mr. ILLINGWORTH

I am not aware of any such occurrence. I shall be glad if the Ilion. Member will furnish me with particulars of the cases which have come under his notice.

Mr. HOUSTON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the allegations in this question emanate from the telephone operators themselves, and can he say whether his Department is in a greater state of confusion than any other Government Department?

Mr. ILLINGWORTH

I was not aware that it emanated from the telephone department, but if the lion. Member will be good enough to give me particulars I will have them inquired into. As to the question of confusion, I think under the circumstances the business of the Post Office is being transacted in a very credit-.able way.