§ MR. C. COLSTON (Gloucester, Thornbury)I beg to ask the Postmaster General whether such requisites as string, bag wax, blotting paper, red and black inks, lights and firing for office use—the latter of which are important items in bad weather, and also where there is an early arrival of mails—have to be provided from the private purse of sub-postmasters, or whether they are supplied by the General Post Office?
§ MR. ARNOLD MORLEYThe articles mentioned by the hon. Member are, as a rule, provided by sub-postmasters out of their official emoluments. At the great majority of small sub-post offices, which are carried on in shops and other places of private business, the amount of these articles required for official use is so trifling that the expense is hardly appreciable. At some of the larger offices, where more is required, an allowance is made to the sub-postmaster to enable him to provide the necessary stores. At all offices where there is an early arrival of mails, a special allowance is granted to the sub-postmasters on that account.