HC Deb 01 August 1922 vol 157 cc1251-2
32. Sir W. DAVISON

asked the Postmaster-General what is the salary at which youths of 18 now commence work in the Post Office, and what was their commencing salary before the War; what is the maximum salary to which these youths normally rise; for how many hours a week are they employed: whether they are in receipt of uniform or other perquisites; and what salary is paid to girls of 14 and 16, respectively, who are being trained as telephonists?

Mr. KELLAWAY

As the answer is a long one, I hope the hon. Member will allow me to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

The scale wage for a postman 1t years of age ranges from 18s. to 22s. a week, according to the locality in which he is employed; the remuneration, including bonus, ranges from 36s. 11d. to 45s. 2d. a week. The scale wages before the War ranged from 15s. to 19s. a week. The maximum wage, exclusive of bonus, which would be reached after from 12 to 14 years' service, ranges from 34s. to 46s. a week. The normal hours of attendance for postmen are 48 a week, inclusive of meal-times; they are provided with uniform, and enjoy certain other privileges which are granted to established civil servants in general. Girls of 14 are not trained as telephonists. The minimum age for appointment as telephonist is 16 years, and the pay during the period of training, which extends over about three months, is 10s. in inner London and elsewhere, exclusive of bonus, or 20s. 6d. in inner London and 16s. 5d. elsewhere., including bonus at the present cost of living figure. The payments will be considerably reduced when the cost of living bonus drops on the 1st September.