HC Deb 04 June 1894 vol 25 cc306-7
MR. M. AUSTIN

I beg to ask the Postmaster General if he would consider the advisability of increasing the pay of rural postmen in Ireland, as the present scale is entirely inadequate in comparison with other branches of the Service? At the same time, I will ask the right hon. Gentleman if he is aware that the maximum pay of the Dublin postmen exceeds those of Cork by 6s. per week, and Bel-last postmen by 4s. per week; and how is this disparity determined?

MR. A. MORLEY

The wages of rural postmen in Ireland have been largely improved during the last few years, and as no difficulty is found in obtaining the services of suitable men as postmen, it does not appear that any further general increase is required. In any case, the present rate of payment compares favourably with the wages usually earned for the same class of labour in Ireland at the present time. The maximum wages paid to postmen in Dublin have always been higher than those paid at provincial towns in Ireland, but they are 2s. only above those paid at Belfast, not 4s., as supposed by the hon. Member. There seems to be good reason for this, as the cost of living, &c, is higher in Dublin than elsewhere.

MR. M. AUSTIN

Does the right hon. Gentleman think 8s. or 9s. a week sufficient pay for a man walking 25 miles a day?

MR. A. MORLEY

I know of no such cases.

MR. M. AUSTIN

Then I will supply the right hon. Gentleman with innumerable instances.