Mr. PARKERasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the female clerical staff employed at the Bristol Post Office has been compelled to work overtime continuously for the past two years, and whether this condition of affairs exists at other centres throughout the country; and, if so, what steps does he propose to take to increase the staff so as to make normal hours of work possible?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEPresumably the hon. Member refers to the telephone district manager's office at Bristol where, as a result of staff changes and an exceptional I amount of illness, overtime has been worked by the female clerical staff for I some time past. The staff has been increased and temporary assistance given, and it is hoped that the necessity for overtime will cease at an early date. The question of overtime in district managers' offices generally is receiving consideration.
Major HOPEasked the Postmaster-General, whether, in 1905, senior stores clerks under the National Telephone Company were performing the duties which are now carried out by third-class clerks in connection with the telephone service?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEI have no information as to the precise importance of the duties performed by particular stores clerks under the National Telephone Company in 1905. At the time of the transfer to the Post Office some of the stores clerks were found to be employed on duties appropriate to third-class clerks; others on work proper to clerical assistants in the engineering department of the Post Office.