HC Deb 24 June 1890 vol 345 cc1789-90
MR. CONYBEARE (Cornwall, Camborne)

I beg to ask the Postmaster General if he will state the number of telegraph messengers employed in London, the scale of wages paid, the rates paid for overtime and Sunday work; whether overtime is compulsory upon them; and what proportion of those willing and qualified to become postmen are appointed?

THE POSTMASTER GENERAL (Mr. RAIKES,) Cambridge University

To the hon. Member's four questions the answers are as follows: 1st. 2,430; 2nd. 7s., rising by 1s. a week annually to 11s.; 3rd. I have not had time to ascertain the particulars of overtime work and Sunday work; 4th. It has been for many years the practice to promote those telegraph messengers who are willing and qualified to vacancies in the postmen's force as opportunity offers.