27. Mr. POINTERasked the Postmaster-General whether it is proposed 568 shortly to introduce a revision at the South Eastern District Office, London, by which work hitherto performed by sorters on a maximum of 62s. a week is to be transferred to postmen in receipt of a maximum wage of 38s. a week; and whether, in harmony with the recognition of associations, the matter was discussed between the department and the association of the men concerned before arriving at a decision?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELThe answer to the first part of the Question is in the negative, and the second part, therefore, does not arise.
§ 30. Mr. BARNESasked the Postmaster-General if the rate of 20s. per week for adult men temporarily employed by the Post Office has been continued only because of the recommendation of the Select Committee of 1907; and if he or anybody else has put the case for a higher rate to the Committee now sitting?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELThe Select Committee of 1907 made no specific recommendation on the question of the payment of officers temporarily performing a full duty. The present practice of basing the payment on the nineteen year age pay settled by that Committee for the corresponding established class has been brought to the notice of the Committee now sitting by a representative of the Postmen's Federation.
§ Mr. BARNESIs there any probability of this wage being brought up to a decent living wage?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELI must await the Report of the Select Committee.
§ Mr. BARNESWhen does the right hon. Gentleman expect that Report?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELI believe the Committee are now engaged considering their Report, the evidence being concluded.
Mr. FREDERICK HALL (Dulwich)Does the right hon. Gentleman think that 20s. a week for adults is a sufficient wage to be paid for the services rendered?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELThe whole question of Post Office wages is now before the Select Committee. It should be remembered that these are not wages paid in London, and that they are only for temporary and casual services.