§ Mr. BOWERMANasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the telegraph mechanicians who signified their desire to retain their old conditions of service in preference to the recommendations of the Hobhouse Committee (an action provided for in the Committee's Report) are being compelled, on the occasion of promotion or being established, to accept the new conditions, which means an increase in the working hours from 48 to 50½ per week; and whether he will consider the matter with a view to these men benefiting by the recommendation of the Committee that they should have the choice of either accepting the Committee's new conditions or retaining the old conditions, and thus prevent promotion involving an increase in the hours of labour?
Mr. H. SAMUELI am aware of the facts stated by the hon. Member. The choice of old or new conditions related only to the class on which men were at the time. The acceptance of promotion is held to carry with it acceptance of the conditions of the new class.