§ MR. CRILLY (for Sir THOMAS ESMONDE)I beg to ask the Postmaster General if the Memorial, forwarded in February last by the auxiliary postmen, has reached his hands; and, if so, when a reply to it may be expected; and if it is a fact that the auxiliary postmen have not participated in the benefits granted recently to the established postmen; that they have to work as hard as the established postmen, while they are paid far less; that no allowance is made to them for stripes, or for boots, or Sickness, or medical attendance; that they are given no annual leave, or extra pay for work on Sundays and bank holidays; and that no pension is given to them, no matter how long they may serve?
§ SIR JAMES FERGUSSONThe Memorial referred to has been received. Extensive inquiries, however, had been already commenced and are still being 903 made respecting the rates of payment for auxiliary duties throughout the country, and until these are completed it will not be practicable to send a reply. The benefits mentioned as having been recently granted were specially authorised for the regular established postmen, who perform the full duties and give their whole time to the service. Auxiliary postmen perform shorter duties, and do not give their whole time to the service; indeed, it is a condition of employment that an auxiliary postman should have another occupation as well. It is not the fact, therefore, that they work as hard as the established postmen, but the reverse. When qualified, however, they usually succeed to vacancies in the establishment in their turn.