§ Viscountess ASTORasked the Postmaster-General whether he can now make any statement with regard to the alleged displacement of women in the cable room, Central Telegraph Office, by youths and boys who have not served in the. Army: and whether, if the facts are as alleged, he can explain the reason for this policy?
§ Mr. PEASEThe introduction of women into the cable room was a War-time expedient, and was governed by the general pledges given to the Post Office staff as to reversion to pre-War practice. It is in pursuance of these pledges that the female staff in the cable room have been gradually withdrawn. My right hon. Friend proposes to discuss with the male staff con- 1783W cerned the introduction of a proportion of women as a permanent arrangement.
§ Mr. MORRISONasked the Postmaster-General whether he will consider having a. Sunday collection of letters in country towns, owing to the inconvenience to business caused by the present arrangements?
§ Mr. PEASEI can only refer the hon. Member to the reply on this subject given to the hon. and gallant Member for Barnstaple (Captain Tudor-Rees) on the 1st of March.