§ Mr. NEWBOULDasked the Postmaster-General whether the Holt Committee recommended that the authorised number of the established class of male telephone operators should be fixed on the 1st of January of each year at 75 per cent. of the total full-time staff; whether 75 per cent. of the full-time staff were so established on the 1st January last; whether he will state the present figures for the established and unestablished man, respectively; and whether he will consider the possibility of re-arranging the telephone work in such a way as to permit of these men securing a share of day duty?
§ Mr. ILLINGWORTHThe Holt Committee's recommendation was as stated, with the addition that the class of male night telephonists should be amalgamated with that of call office attendants. The recommendation as regards the 75 per cent. of established posts was duly accepted; but the proportion of unestablished to established officers has been disturbed by war conditions. I will obtain the particulars desired by the hon. Member and communicate them to him. Representations respecting the hours of duty of Post Office servants generally have been made by the National Joint Committee of Post Office Associations, and are under consideration. Night telephonists are616W engaged specifically for night work, the day work being assigned to women; and I am not prepared to take any steps in the direction suggested in the last part of the question.