§ MR. BARRYasked the Postmaster General, Whether he intends taking any steps to increase the salaries of Irish Sub-Postmasters (whose income varies from twopence to sixpence per day); how many memorials he has received, in reference thereto; whether the hours of business might not be reduced to something less than twelve hours, as at present; and, whether it be unlawful for Irish Sub-Postmasters to memorial for redress of grievance, as well as any other class of Her Majesty's subjects?
§ MR. FAWCETT, in reply, said, there was no difference whatever in the position of sub-postmasters in Ireland and other parts of the United Kingdom. In addition to their pay, they received a commission on stamps, on registered letters, and on the number of savings bank and money-order transactions. It must be remembered that sub-postmasters did not devote the whole of their time to Post Office work. They, as a rule, had their business to attend to. It was in no respect illegal for Irish sub-postmasters to memorialize for redress of grievances.