§ 56. Mr. Shortasked the Postmaster-General what was the total annual contribution from Post Office revenue to the Treasury; and whether he will consider making use of this amount to provide for the restoration of the penny post, and also improve the wages of the Post Office workers?
§ Major TryonThe annual contribution from Post Office revenue to the Exchequer was fixed by the Finance Act, 1937, at £10,750,000. Any alteration in this arrangement would require legislation and would involve the consideration of the future rate of contribution in relation to the finances of the country as a whole.
§ Mr. ShortWhy does not the right hon. and gallant Gentleman revolt against this payment and do his duty by the public and the workers in the Post Office?
§ Major TryonI think that either under this system or under a system where all the services are managed by the State, it is necessary that these services should yield some revenue.
§ Mr. PalingIn an organisation where a good many people are getting such low wages and work such long hours, is there not room, within this large sum, to make reparation to the workers?
§ Major TryonThe question of wages is being considered at the present moment.