§ 66. Mr. JESSONasked the Postmaster-General if his attention has been called to the case of Mr. A. E. Newton, sorter, London postal service, who is forty-three years of age, and has twenty-five years postal service with very little sick absence, who joined an Infantry battalion in January, 1916, and served two years in the trenches, was wounded in March, 1918, by a bullet in the spine, and resumed his postal duties in November, 1918, and, after eight or ten days' work, had to see the doctor, who advised him to take some weeks' sick leave; is he aware that Mr. Newton preferred to remain at work so as to try and do what he could, consequently the doctor ordered him a six-hour day on light duty, and in April this year Mr. Newton was informed that his wages had been reduced 25s. per week and furthermore that he had been overpaid to the extent of £18 and must refund this amount within the next three months, although his pension from the War Office is only 16s. 6d. per week; and will he have inquiries made into this case and ascertain on what grounds Mr. Newton is to be deprived of 25s. per week in his wages after serving his country and being severely wounded in so doing?
§ The ASSISTANT POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Pease)I am aware of the circumstances of the case. Under the Regulations Mr. Newton was entitled to reduced pay of 71s. 6d. whilst performing a six-hour duty, but owing to a misunderstanding he was allowed full pay of 88s. He was thus overpaid 16s. 6d. a week; the 31 intimation given to him locally regarding the amount of overpayment was incorrect. The total overpayment is about £12, and Mr. Newton will be allowed to refund this in instalments.