§ Mr. MAURICE HEALYasked the Postmaster-General how many sorting Clerks and telegraphists at Cork have been appointed telegraph overseers within the past ten years; what was the age and service, respectively, of these officers at the time of their promotion, and what time 633W had each been in receipt of the maximum wages of his class before obtaining promotion; how many members of the Cork telegraph staff are at present at the maximum of the class of sorting clerks and telegraphists; how long has each been in receipt of the maximum wages of his class; what are the wages and service, approximately, of these officers; how many sorting clerks and telegraphists in the telegraph department of the Cork Post Office possess first-class certificates in technical telegraphy and telephony, second-class certificates in same, certificates for the position of assistant superintendents, and medals for high proficiency in technical knowledge, respectively; how many Cork candidates were successful at the technical examination, held this year; what steps, if any, he intends taking to relieve the stagnation of promotion in the telegraph office, Cork, affecting adversely both men of long service and the officers who possess technical certificates; and whether it is his intention to promote eligible members of the Cork staff to all vacancies now existing or anticipated in the ranks of the supervising classes in the postal and telegraph departments at Cork?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELAs regards the particulars asked for in the earlier part of the question, I will make inquiry and communicate with the hon. Member. With regard to stagnation of promotion the Parliamentary Committee expressed a strong opinion that no appointments should be created simply to give promotion, and increased pay, to officers who may for some time have stood at the head of their class. The Committee believed the scales of pay which they recommended to be fully adequate both for the character of the work performed and for affording a sufficient means of livelihood. I am in agreement with the Committee's views. The promotion of members of the Cork staff to existing or future vacancies will depend upon the qualifications of the officers concerned.
§ Mr. MAURICE HEALYasked the Postmaster-General (1) whether his attention has been drawn to the complaints recently made by the "Cork Free Press" with reference to the delay of its press telegrams on the night of the Debate on the Parliament Bill in the House of Lords, Monday, 3rd July, the delay averaging over two hours; whether he is aware that complaints of delay to press work have 634W several times of late been made in the Cork Press; and will he say whether these delays are due to the non-provision of adequate staff, and, if so, whose fault this is; what steps does he propose to remedy the state of things complained of; and (2) why on the afternoon of the 6th July, between. 4.15 p.m. and 6 p.m., the Press Association Sporting One Service was deliberately delayed in the Cork post office and preferential treatment given to news received later on the general news wire, under the personal supervision of the superintendent of telegraphs; what time this Press Association Sporting One Service was received in Cork, what time it was written, and the time of reception and completion of the other news referred to; and whether, in view of complaints of a like nature, he will now deal suitably with this irregularity and whatever official is responsible for it?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELI will make inquiry with regard to the hon. Member's questions, and communicate with him.