§ MR. J. P. NANNETTI (Dublin, College Green)To ask the Postmaster-General if he will state the number of adult messengers employed in the provincial towns of the United Kingdom, the number that are over twenty-five years old, and the number who have over fifteen years' postal service; whether, as the principle fixing the minimum of 23s. 6d. a week for postmen was mainly based on the conditions that they were over twenty-five years old, and probably married, and the cost of living in large provincial towns, and that these conditions equally apply to adult night messengers, he will explain why the latter, some of whom are over forty years old and have over twenty years' aggregate service, are paid a maximum of only 19s. a week; and will he have these and all other previous Questions asked during this Session regarding adult messengers brought under the notice of the Select Committee.
(Answered by Mr. Sydney Buxton.) The number of adult night messengers in provincial towns is approximately 1510 100, but I cannot, without inquiry, furnish the hon. Member with the further details for which he asks. The work of the messengers in question is, however, very simple, and their case has no analogy with that of the postmen. It is for the Committee to decide whether they will consider that this class should be included in their inquiries.