§ MR. ROEBUCKasked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, a Question on the subject of the grievances of the Post Office servants.
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERSir, much public interest has been excited with respect to the persons employed in the service of the Post Office, and I am not surprised that the hon. and learned Gentleman, who has such an interest in the matter, should have put this Question. I can only say at present that the subject is one which is attracting the serious attention of the Government; that communications are now going on between the Postmaster General and the Treasury with respect to the rates of pay of the Post Office servants in various parts of the country; and that the representations on the subject are receiving very careful consideration from the Treasury In one or two 1583 instances we have already intimated to the Postmaster General that we shall be prepared to grant additions to the rates of pay in the ease of certain Post Offices; other representations are under consideration, and will shortly be answered. I hope, in a manner that may be considered satisfactory, while consistent with our view of the public interests. Under those circumstances, it would not be necessary to appoint a Commission. "We think it a matter which ought to be dealt with by the Government, and we are dealing with it on our own responsibility. With regard to a Committee of the House, it would be only a loss of time to appoint one, and put off what I think will be a satisfactory arrangement. The Government, therefore, looking to the consideration that measures of a more pressing character have to be dealt with, would not feel able to give encouragement to the appointment of either a Commission or a Committee.