Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESSasked the Postmaster General whether it is intended to abolish the part-time telephone operators who work in telephone exchanges for three hours in the evening and to appoint full-time operators in their place; if so, what will be the extra cost; and whether the change will involve the dismissal of any of the present part-time operators?
§ Mr. PEASEThe number of part-time night operators has recently been reduced; but there is no intention of abolishing the class. The principal object of the change is to increase the efficiency of the operating. It would be extremely difficult to estimate the cost as it forms one item of a complicated revision of duties. The revisions may involve the discharge of some of the part-time men, whose duties are abolished and whom it is not possible to employ on full-time duties.