§ Mr. GEORGE ROBERTSasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that at many post offices in smaller provincial towns the indoor staff perform their duties at very irregular periods owing to the arrival of mails and the telegraph and telephone duties; whether he is aware that instructions have been issued from the Telephone Department to utilise female labour wherever possible, as women are paid less than the male staff; whether in consequence, the existing male staffs are to have their attendances worsened still further; and, in view of the evidence laid before the Holt Committee, if he will direct that the instructions shall be withdrawn?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELI am aware that at many offices in small provincial towns the indoor staff necessarily perform their duties at irregular periods, but I am not aware that any instruction has been issued from the Telephone Department of the nature suggested in the question.540W Perhaps the hon. Member will send me a copy of the instruction which he has in mind.