§ Lord NINIAN CRICHTON-STUARTasked the Postmaster-General the date on which the system of having Post Office surveyors was introduced, and when the last investigation took place into the working of surveyors' offices; whether he is aware that telegraph and telephone officials are convinced that the Surveyors' Department is a constant source of delay to important public business; and whether he will investigate the administration of surveyors' offices with a view to bringing their business methods more into line with modern business requirements?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEThe system of Post Office surveyors was authorised on the 13th June, 1715. A Committee, of which Sir H. Babington Smith, then secretary to the Post Office, was chairman, investigated 1517W the whole subject of delegated authority in the Post Office service, and reported in 1909. The Surveyors' Department was the principal subject of their inquiry. The relation of surveyors to the telephone service was examined by a Committee, of which the present secretary to the Post Office was chairman, in 1912. I am not aware of the conviction attributed by the hon. Member to telephone and telegraph officials; if it exists, it is ill-founded. I am contemplating an inquiry into the clerical work of surveyors' offices, but I see no need for inquiry into the general surveying work, which is, as far as I am aware, very well done. It is constantly under review at headquarters, where periodical meetings of surveyors are held.