Mr. TYSON WILSONasked the Postmaster General if he is aware that eleven workmen employed in the electric light and power department of the Post Office were not paid their wages for the two days' holiday they were compelled to take at His Majesty's Coronation; whether he is aware that workmen employed under similar conditions in other State Departments were paid their wages; and whether he will, under the circumstances, give instructions that these eleven men be paid their wages, so that there will not be any differential treatment of the workmen in connection with the Coronation holidays?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELI am aware of the facts mentioned by the hon. Member. Under the Post Office practice, tradesmen employed under trade conditions do not come under the ordinary rules governing 1266 payment or other compensation for the usual annual public holidays, but I am considering whether, in view of the circumstances of the two days' holiday at His Majesty's Coronation, special treatment on that occasion would not have been justified. The matter, however, has to be referred to the Treasury, and I will communicate further by letter with the hon. Member.