HC Deb 25 October 1916 vol 86 cc1130-1
75. Mr. SUTTON

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the high price of food stuffs, etc., he has considered the request of the postal servants for an increase in their wages; and, if so, will he state what has been done in the matter?

77. Sir H. DALZIEL

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the feeling among postal workers, in view of the large increase in the cost of living, that a 5s. increase should be granted in wages; and, having regard to the concession that has been granted by the Government to the railwaymen, whether he can hold out any hope that he can revise his decision on this matter?

The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. J. A. Pease)

The representations of the postal servants and the facts relating to the increased cost of living have been carefully considered by the Government. Certain postal servants received last 3'ear a War bonus, which was increased as from 1st July last under the recent decision of the Government granting a War bonus to Civil servants generally within certain wage limits. I have informed the National Joint Committee of Post Office Associations that if they will send me a statement of their case I shall consider whether I should lay it before my colleagues in the Government.

Mr. WARDLE

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to submit the case to arbitration, as has been requested?

Mr. PEASE

That is a question which should be addressed to the Prime Minister.

Mr. SUTTON

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman considers that the bonus already paid to the postal workers is anything like equivalent to the increased cost of living during the War?

Mr. PEASE

I cannot say that there is a very accurate relationship between the bonus and the increased cost of living.

Mr. SUTTON

Has not the right hon. Gentleman received a communication from the postal servants giving a statement of their case, and has he refused to do anything in the matter?

Mr. PEASE

No; that is not quite correct. I certainly received a statement from the postal servants of their case, and I undertook to convey that statement to my colleagues in the Government, and I carried that out specifically and thoroughly.