§ MR. H. J. GILL (Limerick)asked the Postmaster General, Whether, at present, the Limerick postmen labour under the following disadvantages, amongst many others:—that whereas in Belfast postmen receive 26s. per week, in Limerick, with the same number of working hours, only 22.s.; that for sick pay Dublin postmen, when married, receive full wages, when unmarried, two-third wages, whilst in Limerick both married and single postmen receive only half wages; that in other first-class offices good conduct stripes are given every fifth year, whilst in Limerick at very irregular and long intervals; whether, in Limerick, promotion is very seldom given to deserving and qualified postmen; and, whether he will consider the case of the Limerick postmen, with a view of placing them on an equal footing with the men in other first-class Irish offices?
§ THE POSTMASTER GENERAL (Mr. RAIKES) (Cambridge University)In reply to the hon. Member, I have to state that at Limerick the wages of the postmen are 18s., increasing by 1s. a week annually to 22s.; that these wages are the same as at Plymouth, Bath, 1778 Paisley, and other towns; and that as they have proved amply sufficient to procure and retain the services of well qualified men, there is no intention of raising them. I am not aware that in Dublin or elsewhere any difference of treatment exists, in the matter of sick pay or otherwise, between married and unmarried men; or that at any town good conduct stripes are given every fifth year, or at the end of any other stated period. In the United Kingdom there are three or four towns, of which Dublin is one, whore, by virtue of an old regulation, which it is not proposed to extend, the postmen, when absent ill, receive two-thirds of their wages. At all other towns they receive only half. Good conduct stripes are bestowed as they become vacant.
§ MR. H. J. GILLasked, if these other towns were ranked as first-class offices same as Limerick?
§ MR. RAIKESI believe they are; but I am not sure.