§ MR. NANNETTII beg to ask the Postmaster General if he is aware that learners in many English post offices, such as Manchester, Leeds, and Sheffield, are paid at the rate of 8s. weekly, and on appointment get 16s. per week, and that the rates of pay throughout Ireland for persons holding the same rank are 6s. and 12s. respectively, and whether, seeing that the cost of living in the large towns in Ireland is at least as great as that in some of the English centres where the higher rate of pay is given, will he consider the advisability of granting the same wages in Ireland as he does under similar circumstances in England.
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINWages of 8s. a week for learners with 16s. a week on appointment as sorting clerk and telegraphist were introduced as a temporary measure at certain English offices where a difficulty was experienced 510 in obtaining the necessary number of candidates. The ordinary wages are found to be sufficient in Ireland to attract the required candidates; and it is not proposed to increase them.
§ MR. NANNETTIWill the right hon. Gentleman give me a copy of these answers?
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINYes; but if the hon. Gentleman when he wishes for a copy of the reply will put down his Questions as unstarred that will serve his purpose, as copies are supplied with the Parliamentary Papers.