§ 35. Mr. DAYasked the Postmaster-General whether there is any fixed rate of wage arranged by the Post Office for assistants who perform counter duties at sub-post offices; will he state their remuneration; and give particulars of the nature of their duties?
§ Sir W. WOMERSLEYThe terms of a sub-postmaster's appointment prescribe that the remuneration and conditions of service generally of his assistants should be not less favourable than those of shop assistants of about the same standing in the service of good employers in the same district. The duties consist in the main of the sale of stamps and postal orders, the acceptance of parcels and telegrams, Savings Bank transactions, the payment of old age pensions, the despatch and receipt of mails, and in certain cases telephone work.
§ Sir W. WOMERSLEYWe hope so, otherwise these offices would not be transacting much business.
§ Mr. DAYIs the Minister aware that one sub-post office in South London is advertising for assistants not under 16 years of age at the miserable wage of 10s. a week? How can he expect them to be honest?
§ Sir W. WOMERSLEYIf the hon. Member will send me a copy of that advertisement we will inquire into it. We lay down definitely that the fair wages clause should apply to the people employed by contractors to the Post Office.