HC Deb 18 March 1930 vol 236 cc1903-4
41. Viscount ELMLEY

asked the Postmaster-General what amount of salary is paid annually to sub-postmasters; and what wage is paid weekly to postmen in rural districts?

Mr. LEES-SMITH

Sub-postmasters' emoluments depend upon the amount of business transacted at the sub-office. They vary from a minimum of £25 10s. to £671. The average is about £136. The weekly wages of postmen in rural districts range from a few shillings for short part time duties to a maximum of 62s. 2d. These figures are all inclusive to the cost of living bonus.

Mr. FOOT

Is the Postmaster-General satisfied that the remuneration of these small village sub-postmasters at one guinea per year for the conduct of a telephone from the 1st January to the 31st December is reasonable, having regard to the £9,000,000 profit made by his Department?

Mr. LEES-SMITH

That question is at present under discussion between the Post Office and the Sub-Postmasters' Federation.

Mr. OLDFIELD

Is the Postmaster-General aware that these part-time employments, receiving as they do a very low wage, are a very unsatisfactory feature of Post Office work; and will the hon. Gentleman see that wherever he can this part-time work in the Post Office is abolished?

Mr. MACQUISTEN

Will the hon. Gentleman see that we get penny postage back as soon as possible?