§ MR. HEALYasked the Postmaster General, Are the rural letter carriers of Ireland, under the new parcel post system, to carry 33 pounds weight; and, if so, what increase of pay are they to get, and how much; how will he deal with rural letter carriers on circular routes who have from 14 to 16 miles to travel in single journeys, and may have to carry such weight to the end of their walk; what will become of parcels awaiting them at different places on their route; and, can arrangements be made that where vacancies occur in a post office, or extra hands are required, that rural letter carriers of over ten years' service shall get the preference?
§ MR. FAWCETTSir, the importance of a letter carrier not being overburdened either with parcels or letters is fully recognized. As bearing on the question of fixing a maximum weight of 35 lbs., I may mention that the weight, including clothes, carried by a soldier, when in marching order, is now between 54 lbs. and 55 lbs. The pay of rural letter carriers is in all cases adjusted to the amount of work they have to perform. There is no rule excluding rural letter carriers from appointments as town letter carriers, and such appointments are not infrequently made; but the town letter carrierships are chiefly recruited from the telegraph messengers, and if it were not for this arrangement it would be difficult to find employment for the majority of the latter class.
§ MR. HEALYI would wish to ask the right hon. Gentleman, with regard to the question of parcels, how many days in the year soldiers have to carry 55 lbs?
§ MR. FAWCETTThe difference, no doubt, is very considerable; but I may say that the maximum weight has been very carefully considered, and has been in operation for a very long time. At the same time, instructions have been given to the officials to see that the Parcels Post in no ease interferes with the punctual delivery of letters.