§ LORD GEORGE HAMILTONasked the Postmaster General, If he is aware that the long existing complaint of the letter carriers of the Western District of London, in reference to the number of hours over the eight per diem for which they are engaged, has not, in their opinion, been rectified; whether the recent order directing them to collect and deliver parcels under one pound will not increase their already heavy work; and, whether, considering the exceptional nature of the work of this district, he could make arrangements with a view of either equalising the work performed by letter carriers all over London, or specially remunerating those who have hours of work in excess of their brother employés?
§ MR. FAWCETTIn reply to the noble Lord, I may state that a considerable increase of postal business has taken place in the Western District, and that in consequence an addition of force has been provisionally sanctioned, which will have the effect of relieving the postmen. The men are not engaged to work for any specified number of hours; but their duties are, as far as possible, limited to about eight hours a day. The average number of parcels which they carry is so small that it does not appreciably affect their work or attendance. A permanent re-arrangement of the force is under consideration; but the details require somewhat close investigation.