§ MR. NOLAN (Louth, S.)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether, with reference to a petition, dated February, 1899, from the postmen of Tonbridge, praying for a higher scale of pay, he can say what decision has been arrived at, or when a reply may be expected.
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINThe memorial for increase of pay forwarded by postmen at Tonbridge in 1899 was duly considered, and it was decided that there was then no case for raising the wages. It is regretted that by an oversight this decision was not conveyed to the memorialists at the time. A later petition has been received from the postmen on the same subject and is now under consideration, and the Postmaster General's decision shall be communicated to the applicants as early as possible.