§ 90. Mr. GWYNNEasked the Postmaster-General whether any addition has been made to the staff at any post offices as the outcome of extra work entailed by the National Insurance Act; and, if so, will he state the names of such post offices and the number of persons added to the staff, respectively?
§ The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Herbert Samuel)The staff at post offices is constantly being revised according to the requirements of the work. It is not practicable to ear-mark the increases of 2258 staff which have been necessitated by the extra work entailed by the National Insurance Act, but such work would in every case be taken into account in the revisions.
§ 91. Mr. GWYNNEasked if it is proposed to give any remuneration, and, if so, how much, to Post Office officials in the direct employment of the Post Office for their work in connection with the National Insurance Act?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELAs the hon. Member is no doubt aware, the pay and conditions of service of the various classes of Post Office servants are under consideration by a Select Committee of this House. The question of allowing special remuneration to certain postmasters and salaried sub-postmasters for work done by them as agents under Part II. of the National Insurance Act is under consideration by the Board of Trade.
§ Mr. GWYNNEWill the right hon. Gentleman answer my question as to the officials directly employed by the Post Office?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELMy answer referred solely to those holding direct appointments under the Post Office.
§ Mr. GWYNNEIs no extra remuneration to be given to these people for the extremely heavy work cast upon them?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELIf the work is accomplished in the normal working day the answer is "No." If it cannot be so accomplished, more staff is employed or overtime rates are paid.
§ Mr. GWYNNEDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think the staff could fully occupy their time with the ordinary work of the office?