§ Mr. WILLIAM O'BRIENasked whether it is under contemplation to enlist the services of Royal Engineers as telegraphic operators in the Cork post office; and, if so, whether he is aware that his predecessor in office, in deference to the opposition of the public boards in the South of Ireland as well as of the telegraph staff at 650W Cork, stated twelve months ago that no such step would be taken; and whether the existing vacancies at Cork can now be filled up by those qualified officers on the unappointed list?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL:I do not at present propose to attach military telegraphists serving with the Royal Engineers to the staff of the Cork post office. The question of training a few Royal Engineer boys in telegraphy at that office is under consideration. I am not aware that my predecessor made any such statement as that attributed to him. Steps are being taken to fill existing vacancies on the staff in the ordinary manner.