§ MR. STEADMANI beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster-General, if he can explain the reason for the delay in paying the claim of the Gateshead postmen, for overtime worked last Christmas?
§ SIR J. GORST (for Mr. HANBURY)There does not appear to have been any delay in paying the Gateshead postmen for extra duty at Christmas. The 1131 payment for Christmas Day and Bank Holiday was made on 30th. December. As to the overtime on 23rd and 24th December, the claim was considered to be excessive, and was not paid. But after investigation, a reduced payment, which appeared to be fair, was approved, and the money was paid on 6th January.