§ MR. PICKERSGILL (Bethnal Green, S.W.)asked the Postmaster General, If he will state the nature of the services in consideration of which it is proposed to pay an aggregate sum of £855 (besides "Table Money") during the present financial year in additional allowances to certain high-salaried officials of the Secretary's Department, for acting as "Clerks in Waiting;" and, what was the aggregate sum paid to these officers for "Table Money" during the last financial year?
§ THE POSTMASTER GENERAL (Mr. RAIKES) (Cambridge University)In reply to the hon. Member I have to inform him that it is necessary in the Post Office to have an experienced officer on duty each night and all through the night, and also throughout Sunday, to attend to any affairs of urgency or difficulty which may arise. This officer must be in a position to act for the Postmaster General and deal with all matters requiring special and immediate direction. Provision is made in the Estimates for this special duty. The authorized rate for "table money" is as stated in the Estimates, 10s. a day, which amounts to £182 10s. a year.