HC Deb 16 April 1934 vol 288 cc693-4
26. Sir PERCY HARRIS

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that there are a large number of auxiliary postmen in London who, owing to the small number of hours that they are employed, are only able to earn 30s. a week; whether account has been taken in making these arrangements of the high cost of living and high rent scale in the Metropolitan area, as well as the difficulty of supplementing their wage by other employment owing to the state of the labour market; whether he is aware that these men are unable to seek assistance from public assistance committees because they are Post Office employés; and whether he will consider reorganising the work so as to increase their earnings, or, alternatively, increase their scale of pay?

Sir K. WOOD

Owing to the incidence of postal work in London it is necessary to supplement the full-time postmen force in the early morning and evening, and auxiliary postmen are employed for this purpose. The present rates of pay, which are based on an award by the Industrial Court in 1927, range from 1s. 0¾d. to 1s. 2d. an hour. Since 1931 recruitment in London has been practically restricted to ex-service men in receipt of pensions. The problem of part-time labour in the Post Office is constantly under review with the object of restricting such labour to the minimum.

Sir P. HARRIS

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that an auxiliary postman can only earn about 30s. a week, and that with the high rate of living in London he cannot live on it?

Sir K. WOOD

The hon. Member will appreciate that this is a very difficult matter, to which my predecessors and I have devoted a great deal of time. We endeavour to meet the position in London in the way I have indicated in my answer; in restricting it to ex-service men. If he has any suggestion to make, I shall be glad to consider it.

Mr. GODFREY NICHOLSON

May I ask the Postmaster-General whether his remarks apply also to the country?

Sir K. WOOD

No. It is not possible to make that condition as far as the country is concerned. London is dealt with in a special way.