§ Sir JOHN BETHELLasked the Post-master-General whether he is aware of the practice in the Central Telegraph Office to request explanations of alleged low output from those members of the staff engaged in typing telegrams from Morse slip; whether he is aware that this reporting takes place at a date subsequent to that on which the work is performed, when the character of the message cannot be examined nor the difficulties connected with the transcription of Morse slip experienced at the time capable of demonstration; and whether, having regard to the statements of his predecessor that the purpose of recording the work done by telegraphists was not the speeding-up of the individual, whereas such records are used to force up the output regardless of circumstances, ho will have inquiry made into this system of reporting, in the interests of the public work and of the staff concerned?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEWhen superintending officers in the Central Telegraph Office or elsewhere observe that the efficiency of the public telegraph service is suffering because a telegraphist is working slowly, it is their duty to call for an explanation, and to report the case for such notice as the circumstances may require. Such explanations are sought at the earliest possible moment. If my hon. Friend has any particular case in view in which he considers that this was not done, I should be happy to give him a full statement of the facts.