§ MR. JAMES O'CONNOR (Wicklow, w.)To ask the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that at Seaton Delaval, Northumberland, a girl named Annie James, under sixteen years of age, is performing postmen's duties; that the wages she is receiving are 5s. a week, for which in addition she has to perform household duties for the sub-postmistress; whether he is aware that another woman in the same office signs for the money allowed by the Post Office, which is much in excess of this sum; and whether he will inquire into the matter with a view to getting the work performed by a regularly appointed servant of the Post Office.
(Answered by Mr. Sydney Buxton.) I find, on inquiry, that the girl named Annie James is performing a short afternoon delivery at the Seaton Delaval Sub-Post Office. She will be sixteen years of age next month. There is great difficulty in obtaining the services of men or of boys over sixteen at Seaton Delaval. Annie James is paid 4s. a week for the delivery duty. She is also a domestic servant of the sub-postmistress, who pays her 5s. a week as wages for her domestic services.