§ 9. Mr. HOGGEasked the Postmaster-General how many men have been called up from the General Post Office, Edinburgh, for the War; how many men have been taken on to fill their places; whether these are married men with families; how many hours do they work; and what pay are they receiving?
§ The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Hobhouse)Approximately 400 men have been called up from the Edinburgh postal and telegraph services for the War, and approximately 250 substitutes have been taken on to fill their places. About 140 of the latter are married men. They work eight hours a day, and are in receipt of wages ranging from 22s. to 25s. a week.
§ Mr. HOGGEIs my right hon. Friend aware that the number of these married men who have been taken on, at any rate those with large families, are receiving less than what one might consider a reasonable living wage of from 22s. to 24s. a week?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEI said 22s. to 25s. I imagine that that is the regular ordinary wage in Edinburgh for casual labour of this sort.
§ Mr. HOGGEWill the right hon. Gentleman inquire and see if it is really the case that the payment made is the same?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEOh, certainly.