HC Deb 28 July 1909 vol 8 cc1329-30W
Mr. NANNETTI

asked the Postmaster-General whether he can say what number of the employés in the Dublin telephone room are relations of the higher officials of the Post Office; and will he say if it is the intention to introduce open competition for the appointments referred to?

Mr. BUXTON

Five telephonists at Dublin are relatives of higher officials of the Post Office. The question of recruiting the class of telephonists has been fully considered on previous occasions. As I have already stated, candidates for such situations, besides having the prescribed educational knowledge, must possess certain qualifications, such as pitch of voice and clearness of enunciation, which cannot be tested except by personal examination; and the substitution of open competition for the present method of appointment, by selection and nomination, would not appear to be satisfactory.

Mr. NANNETTI

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that the duty of the medical officer in Dublin is very frequently performed by a substitute; will he say if it is the rule to allow a doctor's private practice to interfere largely with his duties as medical officer to the Post Office; and when it is intended to introduce the scheme recommended by the Hobhouse Committee with regard to medical attendance?

Mr. BUXTON

The duty of medical officer to the Post Office in Dublin is only performed by substitute during the absence of the official medical officer or in cases of emergency or exceptional pressure. It is the rule that a doctor's private practice shall not be allowed to interfere with his duties as medical officer to the Post Office. The alterations in the system of free medical attendance recommended by the recent Select Committee were brought into force on 1st October.

Mr. JAMES O'CONNOR

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that, in accordance with a promise given by himself that where men desire to appeal against punishments copies of their official records will be furnished to them, Mr. J. J. Brady, of Dublin, applied in May last to be furnished with such copy; that early this month he repeated his application, but a copy has not yet been furnished; and whether he will inquire into the matter?

Mr. BUXTON

I will make inquiry into the case mentioned by my hon. Friend.