HC Deb 15 May 1928 vol 217 cc851-2
35. Miss WILKINSON

asked the Postmaster-General if he will reconsider the reduction of allowance for payment of pension drafts by 50 per cent., in view of the hardship that will be caused to many assistant sub-postmasters?

37. Mr. KINGSLEY GRIFFITH

asked the Postmaster-General if he will state why the remuneration of sub-postmasters in respect of allowance forms has been reduced to the same scale as that obtaining for pension forms; and whether, in view of the increased complexity of the work in connection with pension forms, he will consider raising the remuneration for both classes of work to the rate previously obtaining for allowance forms?

The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Sir William Mitchell-Thomson)

I will answer these questions together. It is proposed to reduce the rate of remuneration in respect of payments to pensioners and others made by sub-postmasters under the allowance form system because the procedure has been simplified and is now similar to that involved in the payment of old age and widows' and orphans' pensions. I have received a claim for an increase in the remuneration for the latter classes of work, and this is under consideration.

Miss WILKINSON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the difference in the work is largely caused by the fact that pensioners now leave their books at the post offices, whereas under the new scheme they will have to keep those books, and that whereas very little work will be taken off the sub-postmasters their remuneration will in some cases be reduced by as much as £1 per week?

Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSON

As I have said, the matter is under consideration, but I do not agree with the hon. Member that the reduction in the amount of work done by the sub-postmasters is trifling; on the contrary, I estimate that the work is nearly halved.

Mr. K. GRIFFITH

In the event of the remuneration for pensions being increased, will the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that the remuneration for allowance forms will be put at the higher level also?

Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSON

I think we had better wait and see what happens to the application for an increase.