§ MR. O'GRADY (Leeds, E.)To ask the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the postmistress in charge of the Creech Grange Office near Ware-ham, has to work excessive hours, week days 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sundays 7 a.m. to 12 noon, without relief, unless she pays for help out of her own stipend; whether he is aware that such stipend is £24 a year, out of which she has also to provide lamp, oil, coal, and blotting paper for use in the office; if so, will steps be taken to staff and equip this office as the need requires, and to see that adequate wages are paid such staff.
(Answered by Mr. Sydney Buxton.) The circumstances are approximately as stated, and, although the attendances are not quite so arduous as they may appear, I am inquiring into the question of reducing them. The remuneration will probably be somewhat increased as soon as the new scale of pay is brought in force. The sub-postmistress is remunerated on the usual basis applicable to small post offices maintained in connection with a private business, and of course she does not depend for her livelihood on her emoluments from Post Office work. The amount of business transacted falls far below the standard which would justify me in maintaining and staffing a salaried post office.