§ MR. STEADMAN (Tower Hamlets, Stepney)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, if he will explain why six auxiliary postmen working at the W.C.D. Office are refused the benefits recommended by the Tweedmouth Committee to be granted to all auxiliaries working five hours and upwards, although they are doing exactly the same duty as others who are in receipt of these benefits; and will he, in pursuance of the promise given by him, see that this grievance is at once redressed.
§ MR. HANBURYThe Tweedmouth Committee recommended that auxiliaries who were employed at the date of their Report in 1897 on duties occupying five hours a day and upwards should be allowed annual and sick leave and a boot allowance; but this was not to apply to future entrants. The auxiliaries to whom the hon. Member refers were employed last year in exceptional circumstances, when it was found that the supply of ex- 786 soldiers or sailors and of telegraph messengers for employment as assistant postmen on short-time postmen's duties occupying four hours a day and upwards was insufficient. Those auxiliaries are paid at a higher rate than assistant postmen, but on the understanding that they have no claim to the privileges of annual or sick leave, boot allowances, pension or gratuity.