§ 68. Mr. MORRELLasked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to the dissatisfaction that has 938 been caused amongst sub-postmasters and others by the inadequate remuneration which they have received in respect of the extra work and responsibility involved in connection with the working of the National Insurance Act during the last six months; whether he is aware that in many cases the insurance stamps sold at a single office during that period have amounted to several thousand pounds in value; and whether he will consider applications that may be made to him in such cases with a view to a revision of the scale?
§ The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Herbert Samuel)The correspondence on this matter with the Treasury is now concluded, and I am in a position to communicate to the Sub-Postmasters' Federation the terms of remuneration which have been arranged. This is being done at once. As regards officers other than sub-postmasters, I beg to refer the hon. Member to the replies given to similar questions on the 22nd of October and 16th January last.
§ Mr. MORRELLIs it not the fact that some postmasters are only receiving 10s. for six months' work?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELThose are merely payments on account until the matter is settled.
§ Mr. C. DUNCANHave the sub-postmasters been allowed to present their case to the Postmaster-General?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELYes, but before coming to a final decision I am communicating it to the Sub-postmasters' Federation, and that is why I refrained from giving a definite reply to my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. MORRELLWill the correspondence with the Sub-postmasters' Federation be published?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELIf there is any official correspondence they will be at liberty to publish it, certainly.