§ Ms. JAMES O'CONNOR (Wicklow, W.)To ask the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that learners in the telegraph department, Enniskillen, over the age of nineteen years, were paid 15s. to 18s. per week during last summer for substituting the staff on leave; that, while considering the question of improving the pay of this class, he has decided, as dating from 1st April, that alterations were to take place; and that, as a result of his changes, the learners have been offered 8s. 6d. and 10s. per week for the work previously recompensed by 15s. and 18s.; and, if so, whether he will explain the reason for this reduction.
(Answered by Lord Stanley.) I am aware that there are cases of the kind to which the hon. Member refers, and I have already issued general instructions that learners already employed as substitutes may be given the option of retaining their present varying rates of pay as learners and as substitutes in lieu of the constant rates for learners with two years service and upwards indicated in my announcement of the 28th ultimo.