HC Deb 23 April 1914 vol 61 cc1093-5
42. Mr. BENNETT-GOLDNEY

asked the Postmaster-General if, in view of the acknowledged rise in the cost of living during the last few years, he will take steps to increase the wages of the employés in all branches of the postal service on a more equitable basis than that now suggested; if, in arriving at the different amounts of increase to be allowed in the different classes both in London and in the provinces, he will pay due consideration to the Board of Trade Returns dealing with the recent rises both in the cost of living and in house rent; and if he will so adjust the wages of all grades of all sections so that no employé shall receive less than a 15 per cent. increase on the wages paid in 1905?

Captain NORTON

The recent Select Committee on the Wages and Conditions of Employment of Post Office Servants stated that certain considerations which they mentioned, including the rise in the cost of living, "are relevant in fixing the remuneration which should be given to Post Office servants, and attention has been given to them in the recommendations which your Committee have made." The Government have accepted the scales of pay which the Committee recommended on those considerations, and my right hon. Friend is not prepared to propose a further adjustment on the basis suggested.

Mr. F. HALL (Dulwich)

Has the cost of living increased by 11.3 per cent., as shown in the Holt Committee Report, and will the proposed increase amount to not more than 4.3 per cent.?

Captain NORTON

That has nothing whatever to do with this question.

58. Major WHITE

asked if the Prime Minister will now state on what date he will give a day for the discussion of the Report of the Holt Commission?

59. Mr. OLIVER LOCKER-LAMPSON

asked whether the Prime Minister can grant a day for the discussion of the Holt Report and the reforms proposed by the Government in pursuance of the Report's recommendations?

68. Mr. MORTON

asked whether the Prime Minister can arrange to give the House an early opportunity of considering the question of a penny postage rate between France and this country?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith)

In regard to these questions an opportunity will arise when the Post Office Estimates are taken next week.

Sir GILBERT PARKER

In view of the gravity of the case, may we have the advantage of the right hon. Gentleman's presence?

The PRIME MINISTER

I really cannot guarantee that. I have a number of things to look after.

Lord HUGH CECIL

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why his duties make it necessary for him to be absent so much more than any previous Prime Minister?

Mr. GOLDMAN

Can the right hon. Gentleman give two days to the Post Office next week?

The PRIME MINISTER

At the moment I promise one day, subject to contingencies.