84. Captain FABERasked the Postmaster-General the result of his inquiry concerning the wages and rent of the postmistress at Weyhill, near Andover; whether the increased wages were swallowed up by the increased rent; and, if so, what he proposes to do in the matter?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEThe rent paid by sub-postmistress to her landlord has, I understand, been increased, but it is stated that this increase is not connected with the increase of the post office work. The sub-postmistress enjoys a special allowance of between £4 and £5 in aid of rent, which is not warranted by the Regulations generally applied in such cases, but which, nevertheless, it is not proposed to withdraw. She may receive a further increase of remuneration when the recommendations of the recent Parliamentary Committee are applied at her office next November, and the increase, if any, will take effect as from the 2nd February last.
Captain FABERIs it any less hard on the postmistress to have the rent raised if it is done by the landlord than if it is done by the Government?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEI do not say it is.