§ 21. Mr. Sorensenasked the Postmaster-General what is the new financial arrangement for sub-post offices; and 1126 what number of these now exist in England and Wales compared with 1950 and 1939.
§ Mr. K. ThompsonAward 326 of the Civil Service Arbitration Tribunal increased the net pay at most sub-offices by 3 per cent. with effect from 1st December last; there has been no other change. There are about 19,850 sub-offices in England and Wales compared with 19,480 in 1950 and 20,146 in 1939.
§ Mr. SorensenDoes the hon. Gentleman anticipate that there will be a further reduction in years to come in the number of sub-post offices? In regard to the financial arrangements, has there not been a certain amount of disappointment expressed about the amount granted to sub-postmasters and is there to be any reconsideration of the matter?
§ Mr. ThompsonThis is the result of an award by the Civil Service Arbitration Tribunal. So far as I know, no disappointment has been expressed, although it would not be surprising if there were varying views held about whether 3 per cent. was adequate. In reply to the question about the number of sub-post offices, they remain at a level which enables us within existing rules to satisfy the needs of the varying areas of the country.