§ MR. J. H. YOXALL (Nottingham, W.)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, if there is any foundation for the statement that in the postal service at Nottingham lads from 14 to 16 years of age are employed between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m., six days a week, for a weekly wage of 3s. or at the rate of 2d. per hour?
§ MR. HANBURYThe statement is not accurate. Six telegraph messengers over 16 years of age who arc engaged between three and four hours a day on their usual duties are employed from 7 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. to assist in, the last town delivery of letters. They earn on an average 7s. 6d. a week, and they are awaiting appointment as town postmen. The arrangement under which they take part in the delivery of letters is of advantage to the lads, 168 as it puts them in training for the appointments to which they are looking forward.