§ 2. Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWENasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the postmen at Hindhead find great difficulty in obtaining houses; that one of them cannot get a house nearer than five miles away; that another was compelled to keep two homes going for ten weeks before he could obtain permanent accommodation, and then had to take two rooms a mile away from the office; whether he is aware that the rents payable by these men vary from 5s. to 8s. a week, and that the postmen at Hindhead are paid on the lowest provincial scale for postmen; and whether he will take steps to secure better housing for them, and will also place them on a higher scale of pay in consideration of the high cost of living at Hindhead?
§ The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Hobhouse)I am informed that difficulty is experienced in obtaining houses at Hindhead of the kind usually occupied by postmen, but it is thought that the first man mentioned could have obtained suitable accommodation at a much less distance than five miles at some increased cost. With regard to the second part of the question, I believe the facts are as stated, but I understand the postman has been able to make very satisfactory arrangements. The question whether it is feasible to place the postmen attached to this office on a higher scale of pay will be considered in connection with the general question of classification of outdoor force arising out of the Holt Committee's recommendations.