MR. KENNARDasked the Postmaster General, Whether he will state the extra cost for the current year resulting from the recent promotions to the upper classes of the Savings Bank Department; and, whether he considers these promotions a satisfactory settlement of the numerous grievances set forth in the memorial of May last and other documents; whether, in the event of his being unable to recommend any material improvement in the position and prospects of the male clerks, a Petition to this House would render them liable to official displeasure; whether the third class of the Savings Bank establishment will be increased during the current year; and, whether corresponding additions will be made to the upper classes?
§ MR. FAWCETTSir, six new first class clerkships in the Savings Bank have recently been created, with salaries of £310, rising to £400 a-year each. Sixteen new second class clerkships have also been created, with salaries of from £200 to £300 a-year. Certain other additions to the force are being carried out, and the increase of cost during the current year is estimated at a little over £2,000. It is not intended to make any further changes at the present time, those recently made being considered sufficient to meet the requirements of the Public Service. With regard to the right of petitioning Parliament, I see no reason why the same rights which were stated the other evening by my right lion. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer to belong to clerks in the Inland Revenue Department should not also belong to clerks in the Savings Bank Department.