§ Mr. R. RICHARDSONasked the Postmaster-General whether as a war emergency measure girl telephonists have been employed on testing and fault duties proper to skilled engineering workmen; whether such employment has occurred at Belfast, Bolton, Burnley, Cardiff, Glasgow, Manchester, Battersea, Brixton, Gerrard, Hornsey, Hop, North, and Streatham; whether the telephonists are still employed on this work; and whether 1404W the Postmaster-General will either pay the trade union rate for this skilled engineering work or press for the return of the men who are being substituted by the telephonists?
§ Mr. PEASESuch a measure has been necessary at many exchanges, including no doubt those named by the hon. Member. The telephonists are performing only minor duties of the class of skilled workmen, and the wages paid are considered appropriate. I am making every effort to secure the release of Post Office staff from military service.