§ 32. Mr. WESTWOODasked the Postmaster-General what was the starting wage of those who were temporary sorters in the Post Office prior to the War, but who, on the termination of hostilities, successfully competed for staff appointments in the Post Office, sorter class; what number are now employed; and does the scope of the Southborough Committee embrace the question of adequacy, or otherwise, of the starting pay and present pay of the foregoing section of the sorter class?
§ 33. Sir ARTHUR LEVERasked the Postmaster-General if he is aware of the hardships of some of the ex-service men who obtained appointments in the Post 2037 Office, sorter class, who have been placed on the starting wage of 30s., plus bonus, applicable to men 21 years of age; and whether he will allow their cases to be inquired into and reported on by the Southborough Committee?
§ 35. Captain HUDSONasked the Postmaster-General whether, seeing that the successful candidates for staff appointments in the Post Office sorter class were started at a wage of 30s., plus bonus, and that this is not a sufficient salary for a married man, he can see his way to grant some increase?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSI beg to refer the hon. Members to my reply to similar questions by the hon. and gallant Member for Dulwich (Lieut.-Colonel Sir F. Hall) and the hon. Member for Mid Bedford (Mr. Linfield) on the 12th instant.
§ Mr. W. THORNEDoes the right hon. Gentleman think it possible for a man to live on this miserable wage of 30s. a week?