HC Deb 09 July 1914 vol 64 cc1204-5
4. Mr. GREENE

asked the Postmaster-General whether he can see his way to select a supervising officer to serve on the new Committee which is to consider the Holt Committee's Report, having regard to the fact that no representative of the manipulative staff has experience of the duties of the supervisory staff?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

The two representatives of the staff to serve on the Committee referred to have already been nominated, and more than one of the associations representing supervising classes has acquiesced in those nominations. I regret that I cannot agree to the appointment of an additional staff representative.

Mr. GOULDING

Will the reference to the Committee which is to inquire into the question of the wages and conditions of emploment of Post Office servants include such issues as those raised in the recent two days' Debate on the Holt Report?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith)

Yes.

Mr. EDGAR JONES

Is it a fact, as stated by the hon. Member for Worcester yesterday, that the Postmaster-General did make a promise that the House was to give its approval to the terms of reference before the Committee was set up?

The PRIME MINISTER

I believe that is not the case.

Mr. GOULDING

I have been in communication with the Prime Minister, and the statement which the Postmaster-General made was in regard to the promise of a larger inquiry in regard to Government employés generally.

Mr. RAMSAY MACDONALD

To put our minds at rest, may I ask have the terms of reference been drawn in such a way that the statements made by the Postmaster-General on the 10th of June and the 15th of June are included in those terms of reference?

The PRIME MINISTER

indicated assent.