§ Mr. F. ROBERTSasked the Postmaster-General what is the present authorised force of sorting clerks and telegraphists on the postal side at Belfast; what reduction in the volume of traffic in the postal branch has taken place since the previous revision of force in 1920; and what has been the consequent reduction of staff, of clerks and postmen, respectively, employed in the sorting office; is he aware that a further revision of force is at present contemplated; if so, has the Postmaster-Surveyor been asked by the staff's representatives to be afforded an opportunity to consider the proposals; is it proposed to make a reduction in the number of postmen employed in the sorting office corresponding to the decrease 2395W in traffic; and will he undertake to arrange that a complete copy of the proposals be furnished to the staff's representatives before the recommendations are finally submitted to headquarters for sanction?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS:The present authorised number of posts for sorting clerks and telegraphists on the postal side at Belfast is 168; but this number has been reduced provisionally to 165. A revision of the whole postal establishment is being undertaken by a Committee appointed to revise the indoor force at all the large offices, but comparative figures of traffic and staff at the last revision and at present are not yet available. The staff representatives will be afforded an opportunity of discussing the proposed duties and attendances, and a decision will not be arrived at until any amendments which they may suggest have been discussed with them.