HC Deb 01 May 1928 vol 216 cc1491-2
11. Mr. WALTER BAKER

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the number of male telegraphists in the Post Office will be depleted by the changed policy of that Department, which is to effect a reduction in the proportion of men to women telegraphists, and also to reduce the total number of established telegraphists by employing a considerable amount of part-time labour which will be principally female; whether he has satisfied himself that the number of male telegraphists of military age who will then be employed by the Post Office could meet the needs of the signal services of His Majesty's forces if required to do so; and, if not, what steps his Department proposes to take to deal with the problem created?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

I would refer the bon. Member to my reply to a similar question on 22nd November last.

Mr. BAKER

Will the right hon. Gentleman take an early opportunity of making a statement on this problem, which is facing his Department and is well worthy, not only of his consideration, but of a public statement to the House?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

I gave, on the 22nd November last, a considered answer to this very same question.