§ 94. Mr. ALFRED SHORTasked the Postmaster-General whether night telephonists employed in the London tele- 2243 phone area are paid upon two distinct scales of pay; whether he has drawn the dividing line in such a way that men living in contiguous areas and subject to the same expenses are paid at varying rates; and whether, seeing that the London telephone area is comprehensive and does not cut through any populous district, he will agree to pay the London rate to all night telephonistsin the London telephone district?
§ Mr. ILLINGWORTHThe London telephone area at present extends beyond the limits of the London postal area, and telephonists, like other Post Office servants employed outside the smaller area, are paid at provincial rates. This arrangement is in accordance with the recommendations of a Select Parliamentary Committee which reported in 1913, and I see no reason for altering it. At whatever point the limits of the London area may be fixed for wage purposes, differences of pay must exist as between officers living in contiguous areas.