§ 8. Colonel WOODCOCKasked the Postmaster-General what steps have been taken to put in force the recommendations of the Hardman-Lever Committee's Report on the Inland Telegraph Service; and by what amount does he expect to reduce the expenditure during the current year upon such recommendations?
§ The ASSISTANT POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Viscount Wolmer)Of the definite recommendations mentioned on paragraph 67 of the Report, Numbers 2, 3, 5, 9, 10, 12, 15 and 17 are being acted upon. The remainder are receiving the careful consideration of my right hon. Friend. It is not possible at present to estimate what effect the changes will have on the expenditure of the current financial year.
§ Colonel WOODCOCKCan my Noble Friend tell us what reductions are to be made, seeing that this Committee of business men made very definite recommendations?
§ Viscount WOLMERWhen my hon. and gallant Friend looks at my answer, he will see that I have mentioned the actual reductions which are being made.
§ Viscount WOLMERNot without notice.
§ Mr. AMMONCan the Noble Lord say how far this conflicts with the statement just made by the Prime Minister?
§ 59. Colonel WOODCOCKasked the Postmaster-General what reduction has been made in the number of supervising officers of the Inland Telegraph Service since the Report of the Hardman-Lever Committee was received; and what reduction in the cost of supervision does he anticipate to make during the present year?
§ Viscount WOLMERThe complements of staff at all the larger offices throughout the country were under review before the Hardman-Lever Committee began its inquiries. These reviews have resulted, since the 1st May, 1927, in the withdrawal of some 160 supervising posts, representing a saving of over 250,000 a year. There may be a further reduction of a few posts during the present year.