§ Mr. GILBERTasked the Postmaster-General if he can state approximately the number of girl telegraph messengers that are employed by his Department; on what rates of pay they are engaged and for what time; and is there any future prospect of permanent employment for these girls after their time is completed as messengers?
§ Mr. ILLINGWORTHApproximately 6,000 girl telegraph messengers are employed in the Post Office. The normal rates of pay in London are 8s. 6d. or 8s. a week plus a war bonus of 6s. 6d. a week. In the provinces the rates vary from 8s. downwards, plus a war bonus normally1010W amounting to 6s. 6d. a week. The hours of attendance vary from 36 to 50 a week. The employment is temporary, and while it may be possible to find permanent employment for a proportion of the girls, I regret that no definite prospect can be held out.