§ Mr. CROOKEasked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to the dissatisfaction prevailing in the Birmingham telegraph department as the result of the abolition of telegraph controlling positions; whether further reductions in the telegraph controlling staff at Birmingham are contemplated; whether he is aware that male controllers and staff in the telegraph service, who were specialised by the Post Office in the interest of efficiency, are now menaced with a grave worsening of prospects; that administrative changes in the telegraph service are being carired out without equitable provision being made for the human element adversely affected by them; and whether he will inquire into the matter?
§ Viscount WOLMERI am aware that it has been necessary to abolish certain posts on the telegraph supervising establishment at Birmingham on account of the falling off in telegraph traffic, and that further reductions may be required. I regret the adverse effect of these measures on the prospects of the officers concerned, but I should not be justified in maintaining, in the interests of the staff, posts which are not required by the work.