HC Deb 09 December 1912 vol 45 cc74-5W
Mr. PETO

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will see that in printing the new Telephone Directory better paper is used and more legible type, particularly in the case of figures, than has been used in the past?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

It is now too late to make any such alterations in connection with the January issue of the Telephone Directory, but the question whether any improvements are practicable will be considered in connection with subsequent issues.

Mr. CLOUGH

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in response to a request from the Skipton Rural District Council of 18th March, 1912, he can yet see his way to establish a telephone service for Kettle-well; and whether he has arranged for direct telephone circuits between Skipton, Barnoldswick, Earby, Burnley, and Manchester?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

Although the place has been thoroughly canvassed, it has not been possible to obtain adequate support to justify the extension of the telephone system to Kettlewell. The provision of two trunk telephone lines between Skipton and Burnley has been authorised. This will afford a good service between the Skipton district and Lancashire towns, generally.

Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

asked the Postmaster-General (1) the total number of supervisors employed in the General Post Office Telephone Department; and the number of ex-National Telephone officers appointed supervisors; also (2) the total number of assistant supervisors, Class I., employed in the General Post Office Telephone Department, and the number of ex-National Telephone officers appointed assistant supervisors, Glass I.

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

The number of officers bearing the rank of supervisor in the Post Office Telephone Service prior to the transfer of the National Telephone Company's staff was twenty. Of these, six are to be replaced by assistant supervisors, class I., on the occurrence of vacancies, and two by assistant supervisors, class II. The number of officers taken over from the company and graded as supervisors is fourteen. The number of officers bearing the rank of assistant supervisor, class I., in the Post Office Service prior to the transfer was thirty. This number will be increased to thirty-six in connection with the replacement of supervisors by assistant supervisors, class I., referred to above. The number of the ex-company's staff graded as assistant supervisors, class I., is fifty-six.