§ MR. LAIDLAWI beg to ask the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that no provision is made whereby sub-postmasters in the rural districts of Scotland are entitled to yearly holidays; that some of them have not had holidays for many years, and that when holidays are granted they are expected to provide and pay for efficient service during their absence; and if he will consider the claims of sub-postmasters to yearly holidays without their being expected to provide or pay for substitutes.
§ MR. SYDNEY BUXTONSub-postmasters with no private business, who are paid an inclusive fixed salary, and are required to give a regular daily attendance of not less than eight hours are granted annual leave of twelve working days; but sub-postmasters who are paid by commission according to the amount of post office business transacted, and who are generally shopkeepers, may be allowed leave of absence only when they them selves can make satisfactory provision for their duties while they are away. These latter are in the position rather of contractors than of servants; and as long as they provide for the work for which they are paid, their personal attendance is not generally obligatory. This rule is applic- 1246 able to the whole of the United Kingdom.