§ MR. J. CALDWELL (Lanark, Mid)On behalf of the hon. Member for East Edinburgh (Mr. R. WALLACE), I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, will he explain on what grounds two Edinburgh telegraphists of the established staff, who were sent on special duty to Killin and South Queensferry respectively had their salaries stopped during the time they were away from headquarters, the allowances only being granted; and, if he will direct that the amount withheld in each case, along with the railway fare of the telegraphist sent to South Queensferry, be paid, and that all telegraphists sent on such duty be granted the allowance in addition to the salary, as has hitherto been the custom?
§ MR. HANBURYThe two women telegraphists at Edinburgh referred to by the hon. Member, who were in receipt of wages of 12s. and 13s. 6d. a week, respectively, accepted employment, one on the 4th August 1894, and the other at the end of July 1895, on temporary relief duties at South Queensferry and 1513 Killin, at wages of 16s. and 20s. a week respectively. It was explained to them that their pay at the Edinburgh office would cease during the period they were so employed. As the higher wages were intended to cover any additional expenses for subsistence, it is not proposed to pay these officers their ordinary wages as well. Directions were, however, given in November last to apply at Edinburgh in future cases the arrangement in force at other offices, namely, to pay a subsistence allowance in addition to the ordinary wages. As regards the payment of railway faros, the Postmaster General is making inquiries and will communicate the result to the hon. Member when he has the necessary information.