§ 39. Mr. Cartlandasked the Postmaster-General how many men are on the telegraph establishment on a permanent and temporary basis, and of those on a temporary basis how many have been employed on the telegraph establishment for five years or more?
§ Major TryonThe latest figures available show that the purely telegraph establishments comprise about 2,130 permanent male telegraphists. Particulars of temporary male telegraphists are not 2656 immediately available, but it is estimated that the number is about 300. It is not possible without detailed local examination to say how many of the temporary men have been employed for as much as five years, but the number must be very small indeed. In the Central Telegraph Office in London, where nearly half the male telegraphist staff is employed, there is no temporary telegraphist with as much as five years' service.
§ Mr. CartlandIs it a fact that none of these men who are engaged on a temporary basis can ever be employed on a permanent basis in the telegraph establishment?
§ Major TryonPerhaps my hon. Friend will give me notice of that question.