§ Mr. HAYDAYasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that a number of civilian Post Office wireless operators are still retained by the Admiralty; whether the cost in subsistence allowance, etc., to keep these men away from their headquarters is nearly 220,000 per annum; whether the normal work at post office shore wireless stations is being performed by naval ratings; and whether he will give instructions to have 1054W the Post Office wireless operators returned to their normal headquarters immediately?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)A certain number of civilian Post Office wireless operators are still retained by the Admiralty. The question of their subsistence allowance is a matter for the Postmaster-General, as this allowance is paid direct by the Post Office under the Regulations of that Department. I understand that in some cases, in order to relieve the strain on the cables, the normal work at some Post Office shore wireless stations is being performed by naval ratings. As regards the last part of the question, arrangements have already been made to have these operators relieved as soon as possible, which, it is anticipated, will be at an early date.