§ Mr. FIELDasked the Postmaster-General how many female temporary clerks are employed in the Accountant-General's office, Dublin; whether he is aware that Irish female clerks in London are delayed in obtaining transfers to Ireland by reason of the number of temporary clerks employed; and whether he can arrange in future that as vacancies occur they will be filled up, especially in the month of October, from the regular permanent staff?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELThe number is ten. With one exception they are employed, as occasion requires, as substitutes for officers absent on holidays or sick leave, or to provide for vacancies pending the appointment or transfer of established officers. Their employment in the latter capacity does not, however, lead to any such delay as the hon. Member suggests, as vacancies are at all times filled as soon as possible by permanent officers. I may say that none are at present employed against vacancies. One temporary clerk is employed to meet what appears to be a permanent growth of work; and the ques- 2239W tion of providing for this by an increase of the established staff is under consideration.