§ 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 BUXTONSub-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 BUXTONI 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 BUXTONThat hardly arises out of this Question.