§ MR. ERRINGTONasked the Postmaster General, Whether it is true that the salaries of some of the sub-postmasters in Ireland are, and have been for the last twenty years, as low as £3 per annum, with a very small commission on the sale of stamps; and whether for this sum they have to attend their offices from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on all week days; whether during the last twenty years the business of many of these has considerably increased; and, whether any representations have been made to him as to the inadequacy of this remuneration?
§ MR. FAWCETTSir, in reply to my hon. Friend, I have to state that the remuneration of sub-postmasters, not only in Ireland, but in the rest of the United Kingdom, partly depends upon the amount of business done. A commission is paid on the sale of stamps, and also upon the issue of Money Orders and Postal Orders, as well as upon each savings bank transaction. Hitherto no commission has been given, except in London, upon registered letters. I lately made a proposal to the Treasury that such a commission should be given, and I am glad to be able to say that the Treasury have agreed that in the future a commission shall be given to sub-postmasters and town receivers upon all registered letters, whether issued or delivered. The minimum salary of £3 a-year, which is received by many sub-postmasters, not only in Ireland, but also in the rest of the United Kingdom, does not, it is evident, after what has just been stated, represent the whole remuneration which they receive. As a general rule, a small portion only of their time is occupied. These post offices are usually at shops, to which they attract additional business. At any rate, whenever there is a post office vacant, I believe it is the case that there are a great number of applicants for the appointment.