HC Deb 20 February 1935 vol 298 c345
43. Mr. H. STEWART

asked the Postmaster-General whether he proposes to use any part of the increasing surplus of the Post Office to provide better pay and improved conditions of service to sub-postmasters, especially to those in rural areas?

The ASSISTANT POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Sir Ernest Bennett)

Sub-postmasters benefited from July last to the extent of about £50,000 per annum by the pay consolidation scheme which was then put in operation, and this amount will be increased to £100,000 per annum, if and when the emergency reductions of 1931 are fully restored. The question of further improvement of the pay of sub-postmasters is at present under examination in relation to claims by the Sub-Postmasters' Federation.

Mr. STEWART

In addition to the pay, will my hon. Friend consider the conditions under which these men have to work, especially in view of their quite heavy responsibilities?

Sir E. BENNETT

Obviously, those matters will be dealt with in the examination that is taking place.