§ SIR CHARLES DILKEOn behalf of the hon. Member for Oxford University I beg to ask the Postmaster-General whether, in the proposed inquiry into the grievances alleged on behalf of some of the employees of the Post Office, the case of the young women whose pay has been reduced from the standard fixed by Mr. Fawcett will be included.
§ MR. BAYLEY (Derbyshire, Chesterfield)At the same time may I ask the Postmaster-General whether he is prepared to include the sub-postmasters in the proposed inquiry.
§ THE POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN,) Worcestershire, E.As stated by me in this House on the 30th ultimo, and for the reason I then gave, the scope of the proposed inquiry will be limited to the classes of established postmen, sorters (London), telegraphists (London), and sorting clerks 303 and telegraphists (provincial). Neither the case of sub-postmasters' nor the case of the young women to whom the Question of my right hon. friend for Oxford University relates will be referred to the Committee.
§ SIR ALBERT ROLLIT (Islington, S.)May I ask whether it is to be understood that the right hon. Gentleman absolutely declines to make or even consider any enlargement of the list of classes in reference to the inquiry, for instance, those of auxiliary postmen, sub-postmasters and women?
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINSubstantially that may be taken as my position. It is all important to the success of the inquiry that it should be of limited scope. It would be impossible for me to secure the services of busy men to undertake an inquiry of unlimited scope lasting over a great length of time. I am anxious that the inquiry shall not be unnecessarily delayed.