HC Deb 05 March 1903 vol 118 cc1574-5
MR. BAYLEY (Derbyshire, Chesterfield)

I beg to ask the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that a rural postman named Michael Ganby, at Whitehall, Tarnonbarry, Ireland, is receiving a wage of only 5s. 6d. per week; and will he state the number of English miles comprising this postman's round, whether it is a six or a seven days delivery, and whether it is according to the authorised scale in Ireland.

MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

I understand the hon. Member to refer to Michael Ganby, who is employed on the Cloonmore delivery, Whitehall, Longford, and that this is the case to which he referred on a recent occasion when he said that he knew the case of a postal letter-carrier in Ireland who had to walk twenty miles a day, seven days a week, for which he received a salary of 5s. a week. The facts are that Ganby is employed for six days a week. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays the length of his walk is 7½ miles; on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays it is 6¾ miles. On the three former days his postal work occupies two hours and twenty-five minutes; on the three latter it occupies two hours and twenty minutes. The rest of his time is at his own disposal. He is, I understand, a small farmer. For his postal work he receives 5a. 6d. a week, which is in accordance with the authorised scale.

MR. FLAVIN (Kerry, N)

Will the right hon. Gentleman recommend this man for outdoor relief?

MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

No, he is a farmer and does not need it.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

; Give him a company directorship.