§ 26. Sir FREDERICK RICEasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that there were upwards of 7,000 linesmen, wiremen and electrical fitters unemployed on 1st June last; and if he will arrange to give employment to some of these men to facilitate the fixing and equipment of telephones, the need of which is amply demonstrated?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONThe number of skilled workmen employed in the Post Office is necessarily regulated by the demands of the service, but I do not doubt that the development of the service and the large capital expenditure now in contemplation will lead to the employment of additional workmen both by the Post Office and by contractors engaged on work for the Post Office.