§ MR. SWEETMAN (Wicklow, E.)I beg to ask the Postmaster General whether some Dublin telegraphists have recently been asked to accept less than the usual allowance for special duty in connection with important events; what rate is allowed under Rule 17 of Instructions to head postmasters for such duty; what was the lowest sum per diem that Dublin telegraphists have been asked to accept; and whether he will take steps to see that the rule on the subject is strictly adhered to?
§ THE POSTMASTER GENERAL (Mr. A. MORLEY,) Nottingham, E.I am not aware in Dublin that there has been a departure from the rule. Probably what the hon. Member has in view is the following rate:—"Not exceeding 6d. an hour or 12s. a day." But in the same rule there is prescribed a rate—"Not exceeding 5s. a day." Both rates, it will be observed, are maximum. The first rate applies to officers sent to race and other meetings where their stay is short, and the cost of lodging is high; the second to those who are temporarily detached from one post office to another, and there are no special circumstances tending to raise the price of lodgings.
§ MR.SWEETMANBut is it not a fact that some of the Dublin telegraphists have been asked to accept a rate of 3s. a day for duty on coast stations in connection with the Naval Manœuvres? Has not 12s. hitherto been allowed in nearly all these cases, and have not the men explained that they cannot live on such an allowance in crowded seaport towns?
§ MR. A. MORLEYI cannot answer that question; but if the hon. Member will forward me particulars I will inquire into the matter.