HC Deb 02 March 1904 vol 130 cc1488-9
MR. J. F. X. O'BRIEN (Cork)

I beg to ask the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the fact that the whole dual staff of the Cork Post Office, with four or five exceptions, has suffered to an extent varying from 1d. to 4d. per hour by the abolition of the special rate for overtime for the disposal of the American mail matter, he will increase the minimum rate to 1s. per hour, in view of the importance attached to the acceleration of those mails; and whether steps will be taken, without delay, to compensate those officers who have suffered by the late reduction.

THE POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Lord STANLEY,) Lancashire, Westhoughton

I have called for a further report on the matter to which the hon. Member refers, and I will give him a reply as soon as possible.

CAPTAIN DONELAN (Cork Co., E.)

Can the noble Lord say why this special rat of pay for overtime has been abolished?

LORD STANLEY

It arises out of a general readjustment based on the recommendations, I believe, of the Tweedmouth Committee. I am making further inquiries into the matter.