§ 7. Mr. Remnantasked the Assistant Postmaster-General how many sub-postmasters are now drawing remuneration below the level of £250 per annum.
§ Mr. GammansApproximately 9,000.
§ Mr. RemnantIn view of the large number of sub-postmasters concerned, will my hon. Friend consider obtaining for those who are in outlying districts some additional work, such as the issue of driving licences and possibly even motor-car licences?
§ Mr. GammansThat raises an entirely different matter, which has no connection with the original Question. I would point out to my hon. Friend that the remuneration from the Post Office is not supposed to be the sub-postmasters' sole means of livelihood.
§ 8. Mr. Remnantasked the Assistant Postmaster-General how many vacancies there are for sub-postmasters.
§ Mr. GammansTwo hundred and sixty-seven on 31st January, 1953.
§ Mr. RemnantIn view of the rather rapid turnover of these gentlemen, does not my hon. Friend consider that some of the difficulty in filling these appointments is due to the continual upgrading of sub-post offices to Crown offices, and will he consider granting these people term appointments?
§ Mr. GammansThe turnover of the gentlemen, as my hon. Friend puts it, and of ladies, too, is not as rapid as all that. The number of vacancies unfilled at the moment is less than 1 per cent. of the total.
§ Mr. W. R. WilliamsIs it not true to say that in any case conversion would not apply to people in this grade of £250 per annum?
§ 27. Major Anstruther-Grayasked the Assistant Postmaster-General the number of sub-postmasters in Scotland; how many of these are drawing less than £250 per annum in remuneration; and how many are drawing £250 a year or more
§ Mr. GammansTwo thousand three hundred and seventy, of whom 1,300 are drawing £250 a year or more and the remainder less than that figure.