§ Mr. Viantasked the Postmaster-General whether the adoption of the system of the 1s. trunk call after the hour of 7 p.m. proved a financial success; and, if so, can he state to what extent?
§ Captain WaterhouseThe adoption of the system of the 1s.trunk call after 7 p.m. led to a substantial increase in trunk traffic at night, but the level of such traffic was still well below the level of the day traffic. Trunk lines and exchange equipment are provided to carry the peak loads in the day time and consequently their cost need not be charged against the 1s. call. I am satisfied that on this differential basis the cheap night call is not unprofitable, though I am not in a position to quote exact figures.
§ Mr. Viantasked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the declarations of the Government regarding the recognition of trade unions, and that during the war there is to be the greatest possible measure of consultation and cooperation in regard to conditions, he will state the alternatives that have been considered by his Department in respect of 425W the reintroduction of the 1s. call to those of compelling the female telephonists to work until 10 or 10.30 p.m.; and is he satisfied that there is such a public demand for this service as to justify the enforcement of such late hours, especially in view of the increased tension arising from war conditions?
§ Captain WaterhouseThe normal procedure of consulting the staff associations was and is being followed in regard to the general staffing aspects of the re-introduction of the 1s. call: and the details have been open for discussion by the local staff representatives. About 1,200 male night telephonists have joined the Forces, and the engagement and training of men to replace them is proceeding as rapidly as possible. In the meantime there is no reasonable alternative to employing a small proportion of the female telephonist staff after 8 p.m. Time schedules will be altered so that staff so employed will normally come on duty later, and the hours of the working week will remain as before. There are 19,500 female telephonists in the Post Office, and of these less than 1,000 will be required on any day after 8 p.m., to deal with the 1s. calls. In London, where the pressure is greatest, they will not be required to take more than about one week's late duty in four. I am satisfied that the widespread public demand for the restoration of this facility justifies me in calling upon the female staff to take their share of the late duties so long as sufficient men are not available.