66. Mr. POINTERasked the Postmaster-General whether recently at the Sheffield Post Office a class of clerical work, known as X list recording, has been taken from the sorting clerk and telegraphist with a maximum wage of 56s. and has been transferred to a postman at a maximum of 36s.; whether he has refused to discuss the change with the men; and whether, in view of the fact that this change has the effect of cheapening labour, and in view of the policy of trade union recognition which is supposed to be the rule of the 1673 Department, he can see his way to meet a deputation from the men to discuss the points involved?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELI fully discussed the question of assigning X listing to postmen with one of the Sorters' Associations some time ago, and after making a personal inspection of the duty in London accompanied by representatives of that association, I came to the conclusion that X listing constituted one of the simplest of post office writing duties and was quite appropriate for postmen. The change was made at Sheffield a year ago as part of a general revision at that office.
§ Mr. C. DUNCANMay I ask whether the representatives of the organisation agreed with the decision of the postmaster?
§ Mr. SAMUELNo, Sir.
§ Mr. C. DUNCANWe may take it that the thing is pushed down their throats whether they like it or not.
§ Mr. SAMUELI do not know that you can put it in that way.
§ Mr. DUNCANWhere does the bargain come in?
§ Mr. SAMUELThere is not any bargain.