HC Deb 22 January 1958 vol 580 cc1024-5
10. Mr. Lipton

asked the Postmaster-General when he rejected the pay claim submitted by the National Federation of Sub-Postmasters; and when he required them to exhibit a notice that increased postal charges were partly due to pay claims.

Mr. K. Thompson

The sub-postmasters' claim was rejected in October. The notice about increased postal charges was exhibited from 16th September to 30th November.

Mr. Lipton

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Postmaster-General himself said last March—I quote his exact words— sub-postmasters work damned hard for very little". Is he also aware that six months later the right hon. Gentleman said: We see no justification for any increase". In those circumstances, is it not unfair and misleading to try to give the impression that sub-postmasters are partly responsible for the increased postal charges?

Mr. Thompson

I should be very happy to supply the hon. Gentleman with the full context of the remarks of my right hon. Friend to which the hon. Gentleman has drawn the attention of the House. I should inform the House and the hon. Gentleman that sub-postmasters had two increases in salary during 1957, and that when we framed our proposals for increased postal charges we took into account those increases and also the prospect that the sub-postmasters' claim would not be met.