§ Mr. O'GRADYasked the Postmaster-General whether a number of the juniors in the telegraph staff at Leeds are listed for duty on the postal side; whether at the same time seasonal assistants are employed in the telegraph room and overtime is being performed there; and whether, in view of the fact that the junior telegraphists are by this system being deprived of facilities for gaining experience in telegraphic work, he will explain the necessity for compelling telegraphists in a divided office to do postal work.
§ The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Sydney Buxton)The object of the arrangement was, as far as possible, to create established appointments in preference to employing casual labour and working overtime, and to provide for the seasonal pressure of the work in the sorting office. I am having inquiry made as to what extent, if any, the present arrangement can be modified.
§ Mr. O'GRADYasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the pay of the men temporarily employed at the Leeds post office for the Christmas trade has been reduced from 6d. to 5½d. per hour; that the overtime rates have been reduced; that the rates of pay for Sundays and Christmas Day is to be 1d. per hour less than in previous years; and whether, in view of the fact that the district rate of pay for labourers is 6d. per hour for a normal day s work, he will reconsider the matter of adjusting the rates of pay of temporary men in the Post Office so that it shall be in accordance with local outside employment?
§ Mr. BUXTONI have made inquiries, and the same rates as were paid last year will be paid this.