Mr. FRED HALL (Dulwich)asked the Postmaster-General whether an overseer of telegraph messengers receives, when first appointed, a weekly wage of 20s. and, in addition, two suits of uniform per annum, a set of leggings and a cap every two years, and an overcoat every third year, but that on his rising to the maximum pay of 33s. per week, when he attains the grade of second-class assistant inspector, the two-yearly and three-yearly perquisites are withdrawn; if so, will he say what is the reason for their withdrawal; and does the same rule prevail in the case of head and assistant head postmen?
§ Captain NORTONThe officers in question belong to a redundant class in the London postal service. They are on a scale rising from 20s. to 30s. a week, and do not pass on to the established class of assistant-inspectors, the maximum of which is 33s. When first employed they received uniform as stated, except that leggings were supplied every three years and caps every year. As a result of the recommendations of a committee which considered in detail the question of the supply of uniform, they will not in future receive leggings, but the rest of the uniform will continue to be supplied as formerly, except that caps and overcoats will only be supplied to those officers who are employed regularly on outdoor duties. The same rule has been introduced in the case of head and assistant head-postmen.