§ Mr. JAMES THOMASasked the Postmaster-General (1) whether the woman in charge of the delivery table at the Derby telegraph office is continually withdrawn to assist in operative work; whether the woman supervisor was engaged partly on instrument work during the whole of the summer; whether male overseers and assistant superintendents have continually to assist in operative work; and, if so, whether he will make inquiry as to the necessity for an increase of staff in this office; also (2) whether girl messengers at the Derby telegraph office, in receipt of 5s. per week, have been left for periods of two hours per day in charge of the delivery table; whether one girl, of fourteen years of age, with five days' service, was placed on this duty, whilst another, with fourteen days' service, has been engaged in relieving the girl typist for holidays; and, if so, whether he will direct that these methods of utilising the services of girl messengers shall cease?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELI am making inquiry into the matters mentioned in the hon. Member's two questions, and will communicate later with the hon. Member.