§ MR. O'SHAUGHNESSY (Limerick, W.)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, if he can state why, on the changing of the route of Thomas Liston, rural postman in the districts of Kilmihill, Ballynoe, and Ballyneale, in the county of Limerick, in May, 1900, his usual weekly salary was reduced from 12s. 6d. to 8s. 6d. for no breach of discipline or lack of duty; is he aware that the mileage has not been decreased by the change, but that additional work is the outcome, a house to house collection being now made; that owing to this change Liston was unable to attend Divine worship in Ballingarry on Sundays; and that, on investigation by the officials after a period of ten months, a helper was appointed on Sundays, but Liston's weekly salary still further reduced, and whether this man will be compensated for the reduction in his salary after seven years of service.
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINIt is the fact, as stated by the hon. Member, that on the revision of Thomas Liston's duty last year his pay was reduced. Under the re-arrangement Liston's walk was extended, but his hours of duty were curtailed, as he now reaches home shortly after 10 a.m. instead of at 7.40 p.m. as formerly. The pay was, however, fixed somewhat below scale, and instructions have now been given for paying him the balance at the scale rate from the date of the alteration. A further extension of the duty has now been authorised, 1473 and in future the pay will be 2s. 6d. a week higher than it is at present. With regard to the Sunday delivery, it is the case that to enable the man to attend Divine service the duty has been reduced, but it has now been decided to maintain the former payment for Sunday work.
§ MR. O'SHAUGHNESSYWill the man's wages be raised to the old scale?
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINNo, Sir.