60. Mr. BARLOWasked whether, at the Salford branch post office, it is proposed to substitute for the supervisor at present in charge of that office an assistant supervisor, and to grant allowances to the sorting clerk and telegraphists who will take charge when the assistant supervisor is off duty, namely, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.; and, if so, why this course is to be adopted, seeing that the principle of allowances for the rank and file for supervision was condemned by the Tweedmouth Committee; and whether the work of Post Office officials has been largely increased by the Old Age Pensions Act, the National Insurance Act, and similar measures throwing additional burdens on the Post Office?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELThe appointment for supervisor at the Salford branch post office has been replaced by an assistant supervisorship, as the duties attaching to the post do not warrant the retention of the higher appointment. In view of the very small staff employed at the office it is not proposed to grant a supervising allowance as well. As regards the last part of the question, I beg to refer the hon. Member to my replies to somewhat similar questions on 6th June, 10th July, and 11th July, 1912. Suitable provision has, of course, been made on Post Office establishments for dealing with additional work arising in connection with Old Age Pension payments.
Mr. BARLOWIn view of the general dissatisfaction which exists in many quarters, would the Postmaster-General be prepared to consider the question of an inquiry as to this increased duty and as to the discontent that exists?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELIf the hon. Member is referring to Salford particularly, I am not aware that any special discontent exists; and, with respect to the country generally, a Select Committee of the House of Commons is now inquiring into the conditions of postal servants.