§ 44. Mr. STAMFORDasked the Postmaster-General whether, seeing that the Post Office has recently advertised for part-time night telephonists at 1s. 1¾d. an hour, he will say what the average attendance of these night telephonists will be; how many applications have been received from existing full-time civil servants; and whether he will inquire into the wage conditions of those full-time civil servants who apply for nightwork after having done a full day's work in the service?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONThe attendance of part-time night telephonists in London, to whom the advertisements refer, average about two hours a night. I understand that about 200 out of the 3,000 applications so far received are from men stated to be civil servants; but the inquiries are not yet complete. With regard to the latter part of the question, appointment to these posts will be made solely on the ground of the qualifications for this employment, and the question of the rate of remuneration otherwise payable to the applicants whether or not civil servants does not arise.
§ Mr. STAMFORDDoes not the right hon. Gentleman consider it desirable to make some inquiries in order to see whether under-payment is forcing any of the full-time servants to seek part-time additional employment?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONThat is a, question which clearly ought not to be addressed to me.
§ Mr. R. MORRISONHave any steps been taken to see that these men are not already working a full week when appointed to these jobs?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONNo; I could not say that. This arrangement which I am trying to make is with a view to getting greater efficiency in the night telephone service; I am by no means satisfied myself with the efficiency of the night telephone service and am endeavouring to procure men who will be able to give a certain amount of regular time and will further, after undergoing a period of training, be regularly available as far as possible to carry on duties.
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONI think the arrangement which I am endeavouring to arrive at will be advantageous to the telephone service and the interests of the public.