* MR. SAUNDERS (Walworth)I beg to ask the Postmaster General if his attention has been called to the facts given in an article in The Weekly Times and Echo, of 29th July, headed "The Sweated Mail Cart Drivers," which shows that men capable of carrying out 47 pages of rules and directions are paid 4d. per hour, or when promoted 3s. 6d. per day with no definite limit of hours, and that when men are required to be in attendance from 2 a.m. to 8 a.m., and again from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., they are paid 1s. only for both attendances; and will he inform the House if steps are being taken to improve the condition under which mail cart drivers are now working?
MR. A. MORLEYMy attention has been called by the question of my hon. Friend to the article in question. I am unable to admit the accuracy of all the statements contained in the article; but as I informed a deputation, which submitted certain statements on July 13, I am inquiring into the subject. I must, however, point out that the scale of wages and the hours of employment are under the control of the contractors, and not of the Post Office.
MR. KEIR HARDIE (West Ham, S.)Is it the intention of the right hon. Gentleman to insert in future contracts a clause providing that the men shall receive Trade Union wages and work Trade Union hours?
§ MR. J. BURNS (Battersea)Has the right hon. Gentleman considered the suggestion I submitted to him some months ago as to the advisability of the Department employing the men direct, and without the intervention of a contractor?
MR. A. MORLEYI have considered it, but I am afraid I cannot see my way to making a proposal of that kind.
§ MR. J. BURNSWho are opposed to it? The permanent officials or yourself?
MR. A. MORLEYThat is a question I cannot answer. I am responsible for any decision come to by the Department.