§ MR. LOUGH (Islington, W.)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster-General, will he explain why a number of telegraphists in the metropolitan districts who performed duties on Christmas Day have now been called upon to refund an extra rate of overtime which they received for this duty, it being stated that telegraph clerks are not eligible to receive the increased allowance?
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (for Mr. HANBURY)The extra rate referred to was authorised solely 1458 for the special sorting force who came on duty voluntarily to perform the heavy Christmas work on Sunday, 25th December, and was not applicable in any way to the counter and telegraph staff, who were performing their regular Sunday duty on (hat day. It appears, however, that through an oversight the latter staff were included in the extra payment at some offices, and as they were not in any way entitled to it they are, of course, required to refund the amount overpaid.
§ MR. LOUGHDoes not the right honourable Gentleman think it very hard that these men should be called upon to refund the money?
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADEI should be very sorry to express any opinion on the action of the Post Office.