§ Mr. CROFTasked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to the fact that the Bournemouth post office is a second-class office; and whether, having regard to the growth of the population of Bournemouth, he can now see his way to make it a first-class office?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELI am aware that Bournemouth is placed in Class II. The units of work are considerably below the point which would justify transfer to Class I.
§ Mr. CROFTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the fact that the staff have to go extreme distances to get any house at all at a reasonable rent?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELThe cost of living generally in the Bournemouth post-office service is somewhat above the normal, but even when that is taken into account the office is not nearly qualified yet to go into Class I. The units of work will have to be increased by 50 per cent. before it can be placed in the higher class, even when allowance is made for cost of living.
§ Mr. CROFTasked the Postmaster-General (1) whether his attention has been called to the fact that the town of Winton has only a sub-office; and whether, having regard to the fact that the postmen of Winton live under practically the same 12 conditions, with the same cost of living and rents, as the postmen of Bournemouth, he can see his way to make the Winton office a branch office instead of a sub-office; and (2), whether his attention has been called to the fact that there is no assistant inspector of postmen at West-bourne; and whether, having regard to the staff of postmen at that office, he will consider the appointment of a head postman to supervise the work?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELI will have enquiry made into these matters, and will communicate with the hon. Member.