§ MR. STEADMANI beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster-General, if any decision has been come to regarding the case of Thomas Shrimpton, auxiliary postman, of Richmond, Surrey, who, although he has been in the service nearly thirteen years, is compelled to rank at the bottom of the whole outdoor staff of sixty-three men, although in an Order (118,396, 1896) it was directed that men in his position should be allowed 28 to rank as regards choice of duties and annual leave after the men already appointed, but before new entrants in the classes to which they are attached; and will he explain why this man is compelled to do duty on alternate Sundays as one of the eighteen junior men, although it was provided in a departmental order that auxiliaries are not to be compelled to do extra work, as they are expected to earn their living outside the service, and Sunday duty is always paid for as extra work.
§ MR. HANBURYShrimpton is an auxiliary postman, and, as such, is not entitled to leave or choice of duties. He is allowed to fill the place of an assistant postman, but he cannot be actually appointed an assistant postman, because he cannot obtain a Civil Service certificate. He is, nevertheless, allowed all the privileges of an assistant postman, and takes his choice of leave at the head of that class. Assistant postmen are required to do duty on alternate Sundays, and receive extra pay. If Shrimpton finds a substitute he will be exempted in accordance with the usual rule.