HC Deb 17 February 1908 vol 184 cc441-2
MR. CATHCART WASON

I beg to ask the Postmaster-General if he can state the number of postmen who are employed in the country districts in Scotland on the Sabbath; the number of country post offices open on the Sabbath; if he can state approximately the cost to the country of such Sabbath work; and whether, in view of the cost to the country of this service and the small public advantage gained by it, he will take into consideration the expediency of relieving the country of the charge, and of granting to a number of public servants their Sabbath Day rest.

MR. SYDNEY BUXTON

To obtain a return of the number of rural postmen who are employed in the country districts of Scotland on Sunday, and of the number of country post offices open on that day, would involve considerable expense. But I may repeat the statement which I made in answer to my hon. friend's question of the 28th of June, 1906, that there are comparatively few Sunday posts in rural districts in Scotland, and that they are laid out with a view of minimising Sunday labour. My desire is to discourage and not to encourage Sunday labour in the Post Office, and the wishes of those postmen who desire exemption from Sunday work are complied with as far as practicable. If any district which at present has a Sunday delivery desires it to be discontinued, and if the local authorities are prepared to move the matter, I shall be glad to give instructions accordingly I may add that only the other day the Glasgow Corporation as a result of representations made to them agreed that in the future there need be no Sunday delivery and that the calling for letters on that day should cease.

MR. CATHCART WASON

When a postal delivery extends into the area of a number of authorities which is the "local authority" to be approached?

MR. SYDNEY BUXTON

was understood to say that as a rule all local authorities were under the control of one body which could consider the matter.

MR. T. L. CORBETT (Down, N.)

Does the right hon. Gentleman's answer apply to Ireland?

MR. SYDNEY BUXTON

Certainly.