HC Deb 27 July 1908 vol 193 cc887-8
MR. WEDGWOOD (Newcastle-under-Lyme)

I beg to ask the Postmaster-General whether under the new classification of post offices, the scale of pay of postmen at Newcastle-under-Lyme has been made less than the scale of pay at Stoke-on-Trent, and, if so, on what this difference in pay has been based.

MR. SYDNEY BUXTON

The principles of the classification of the outdoor force and the modifications introduced by me, are explained on page 57 of the Parliamentary Paper issued on the 11th instant. Both as regards the units of work and the cost of living, Newcastle-under-Lyme is considerably below Stoke-on-Trent, the units of work being 754 at Stoke and ninety one at Newcastle-under-Lyme, the figures of cost of living being ninety-two at Stoke, and that of Newcastle under Lyme only eighty-eight. Stoke therefore falls into Class III, and Newcastle-under-Lyme into Class IV, for postmen.

MR. WEDGWOOD

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware there is no definite boundary between the two boroughs—and that some of the streets are partly in Stoke and partly in Newcastle? May I further ask on what principle the figures relating to the cost of living are obtained?

MR. SYDNEY BUXTON

With regard to the first part of the Question they are two distinct postal centres. As to the latter part the figures are supplied by the Board of Trade.