§ Sir JOHN BETHELLasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that thirty girl probationers are employed on Sundays in the Central Telegraph Office; whether he is aware that the length of attendance is usually five hours and that the rate per hour paid is 3d. or 4d.; and whether, seeing that the sum paid is insufficient to meet the cost of dinner, plus travelling expenses, he will cause the employment of these girl probationers to cease on Sundays?
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§ Mr. ILLINGWORTHThe facts as stated are substantially correct. The necessity for the employment of girl probationers on Sundays has arisen owing to the depletion of the force of boy messengers in consequence of the War. I regret that it is not practicable to discontinue such employment, but I shall consider whether any alteration can be made in the rate of pay.