HC Deb 01 June 1894 vol 25 cc166-7
MR. FIELD

I beg to ask the Postmaster General whether he is aware that in Dublin and other parts of Ireland many mail cart drivers work 17 hours per day, Sundays included, for 14s. per week, and whether, in view of the fair wages resolution, he will consider the case of these men?

MR. A. MORLEY

I do not know whether the hon. Member has been rightly informed as regards the hours of duty of mail cart drivers in Dublin and other parts of Ireland in receipt of the wages mentioned, but I have given instructions for the fair wages clause to be inserted in the new contract which is about to be made for the Dublin service. In regard to the apparently long hours of duty imposed upon some of these men, it is right to point out that in a mail cart driver's day there are frequent intervals of waiting, and sometimes intervals of considerable length during which he is altogether off duty.

MR. FIELD

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries with respect to these men?

MR. A. MORLEY

I will inquire into any specific allegations that may be laid before me.

MR. FIELD

I will furnish the right hon. Gentleman with details.

MR. M. AUSTIN (Limerick, W.)

Will the right hon. Gentleman also consider the case of the rural postmen?

MR. A. MORLEY

That does not arise out of the question on the Paper.