HC Deb 11 May 1900 vol 82 cc1373-4
MR. SCHWANN

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether his attention has been drawn to the extra amount of labour entailed upon the sub-postmasters through the late reductions in colonial and inland postages, and consequent reduction in their earnings of percentage on the sales of stamps, it being necessary now to do more work to earn the same amount as formerly; and what is proposed to be done to remedy this state of things, either by raising slightly the percentages given on sales of stamps or otherwise.

MR. HANBURY

The late reductions in colonial and inland rates would in any case affect only a small portion of the income of sub-postmasters. If any extra labour in connection with the sale of stamps is entailed on sub-postmasters there would, on the other hand, be an increase in that part of their remuneration which is based on the number of letters and parcels dealt with. In no case has a sub-postmaster's remuneration been reduced.

MR. SCHWANN

As the remuneration of these officials is very small, can the right hon. Gentleman not see his way to increasing it?

MR. HANBURY

That hardly arises out of the question.