§ Mr. SUMMERBELLasked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that in connection with the postal telegraph service of Sutherland 10 men were recently paid off, two of whom were entitled to their holidays; that there was an abundance of work; and that men were brought from Carlisle, Darlington, and Newcastle to take their places; and, if so, and in view of the number of unemployed in the town, whether he will consider the possibility of arranging for these men being retained in the service?
§ Mr. SYDNEY BUXTONThe Northern Engineering District is necessarily treated as a whole, and Sutherland only forms a1828W small portion of the district. The decrease in the amount of trunk and other engineering has lately, unfortunately, necessitated the discharge of a number of men in the district. Care was taken to discharge first the less skilled labourers and, as far as practicable, those with the least period of service. I regret that work cannot at present be found for the men discharged. The oversight in respect to annual leave has been rectified.