§ 64. Mr. R. MORRISONasked the Postmaster-General how many auxiliary part-time postmen are employed at the Tottenham sorting offices; how many of those are married ex-service men with families to maintain; what are their weekly earnings; whether he is aware that the guardians will not grant relief to these men and that, although they have to pay full unemployment contributions, they cannot receive any benefits while partly employed; and will he take steps to allow these men to work a sufficient number of hours to earn a living wage?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSON35 auxiliary postmen are employed at the Tottenham Sub-District Offices, 14 at the Tottenham Office and 21 at the South Tottenham Office. 21 of them are married ex-service men, but I have no information regarding their families. The pay ranges from about 31s. to about 41s. a week, according to the number of hours worked, the average pay being 36s. I have no information as to the circumstances in which relief is granted by the guardians, and the question of unemployment benefit is a matter for the Ministry of Labour. The services of these auxiliary postmen are only required during the morning and evening periods of pressure, and I regret that it is impracticable to increase their attendances.
§ Mr. MORRISONIn view of the tremendous difficulties suffered by these auxiliary postmen who are employed only on part time, and are nearly all ex- 1852 service men, could not the right hon. Gentleman explore the possibility of enabling them to work a few hours longer per week, in order that they might earn a living wage?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONI am constantly exploring possibilities of that character. It is very difficult to provide employment for these auxiliary men except in the early morning hours and the afternoons.
§ Mr. MORRISONDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that the present unfortunate system is a great temptation to dishonesty?