§ MR. CLAUDE HAY (Shoreditch, Hoxton)I beg to ask the Postmaster-General what proportion of the 8,000 extra hands to be employed at Christmastide will work for two weeks, what proportion for four weeks, what proportion for six weeks, what proportion for eight weeks, what proportion for ten weeks, what proportion for twelve weeks, and what proportion for fourteen weeks; and what proportion will receive 20s. per week, and what proportion 24s. per week.
§ *THE POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. SYDNEY BUXTON, Tower Hamlets, Poplar)I stated in my reply to the hon. Member's Question on the 26th instant that I hoped to be able somewhat to increase the number of extra hands in London at Christmastide by a further reduction in the amount of overtime. I am glad to say that I have now been able to arrange for the employment of 200 additional men. In round numbers about 3,900 persons will be employed for the actual Christmas week and up to two weeks; 2,400 from that up to four weeks; 1,700 from that up to six weeks; 71 will be employed between six and eight weeks; 69 between eight and ten weeks; and 34 over that period. The fixed rate for adults is 24s., and besides this they will receive additional payment, apart from overtime, for specially heavy work on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. A certain number employed on sorting duties receive 20s. a week for a short time where they require training.
§ MR. CLAUDE HAYasked if it was the fact that applicants for employment receive a printed form stating there were no vacancies.
§ MR. SYDNEY BUXTONI am not sure if there are any vacancies left.