HC Deb 24 March 1908 vol 186 cc1228-9
MR. O'DOWD (Sligo, S.)

I beg to ask the Postmaster General whether sub-postmasters in Ireland are paid at the rate of £1 7s. per month; that these officials have to work thirteen hours per day, superintend money order business, and provide at their own expense light and firing for their offices; and, if so, whether he will consider the question of having the salaries of these officials increased.

MR. SYDNEY BUXTON

Sub-postmasters in Ireland are paid on the same scale as in the rest of the United Kingdom. The payment is not a fixed one, as the hon. Member appears to think, but varies with the amount of business transacted. The scale was examined by the Select Committee and they recommended certain changes. I am about to issue a notice on the subject to sub-postmasters.

MR. O'SHAUGHNESSY (Limerick, W.)

Does the right hon. Gentleman intend to carry out the changes proposed by the Select Committee?

MR. SYDNEY BUXTON

I had an interview with representatives of the sub-postmasters the other day, and as a result I hope the arrangement made for carrying out the recommendations—with one or two exceptions—meets with their approval.

MR. SLOAN (Belfast, S.)

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his promise immediately to increase the pay of the adult night messengers has not been carried out?

MR. SYDNEY BUXTON

That hardly arises out of this Question.