§ MR. STEADMAN () Tower Hamlets, StepneyI beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, under what conditions fines are levied on postmen for late attendance; and whether the men have a voice in their disposal; if so, will the Department officially notify the fact.
§ THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Mr. HANBURY,) PrestonThe scale is as follows:—For each late attendance exceeding two minutes and not exceeding fifteen minutes, 3d.; and for every additional fifteen minutes or part of fifteen, an additional 3d., up to sixty minutes. Beyond this each case is dealt with specially. Subject to the approval of the Postmaster General, the proceeds are devoted by the local postmaster, at his discretion, to the following objects:—(1) Some charitable or benevolent institution for the general benefit of Post Office servants; (2) local institutions of benefit to the staff; (3) relief of members of the local staff who through no fault of their own are in necessitous circumstances; (4) temporary relief in cases of distress among widows and orphans of deceased members of the staff. The postmaster is at liberty to consult his staff as to the disposal of the fund, but the decision rests with himself.
§ MR. STEADMANArising out of the answer, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman if it is not the fact that until within the last two or three years the fines were distributed among the men who kept regular time: and, if that were so, is it not right that they should have a voice in the selection of the charitable institutions to which the money is now given.
§ MR. HANBURYMy information is that the funds have always been devoted to the purposes I have mentioned. I may be wrong. I will inquire.