§ 70. Mr. HORE-BELISHAasked the Postmaster-General whether any reductions are contemplated in the telegraph staff; and, if so, what these reductions are to be?
§ Viscount WOLMERThe telegraph staff in London and the larger provincial offices has recently been reviewed in order to adjust it more closely to the declining traffic. The reductions effected have amounted in the last two years to about 160 posts for supervising officers and 800 posts for rank and file staff. Further reductions in staff will be necessary if the traffic continues to decline, and some minor alterations in the grading of the work are in contemplation as a result of recent general inquiries.
§ Sir W. SUGDENWill the Noble Lord bear in mind that, as the result of some of these changes, telegrams are taking three hours to go from London to the Hartlepools and vice versa?
§ Viscount WOLMERI can assure the hon. Gentleman that it is not the result of the changes that have taken place. The Postmaster-General has the matter in hand. There has been a good deal of exaggeration.
§ Sir W. SUGDENIs the Noble Lord aware that unemployment is caused as the result of the retarding of these telegrams from London to the Hartlepools and vice versa?
§ Viscount WOLMERIf the hon. Gentleman will bring any case to my attention, I shall be delighted to go into it. We are doing everything that we can.
§ Mr. A. V. ALEXANDERIs the Noble Lord aware that because of the reduction of staff, offices are closed during midday, and in consequence telegrams are delayed?
§ Viscount WOLMERNo, Sir.
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAWill further discharges take place, in the provinces or are they confined to London?
§ Viscount WOLMERIn the provinces and in London.