HC Deb 13 July 1966 vol 731 c1445
24. Mr. Kenneth Lewis

asked the Postmaster-General what extra payment he proposes to make to sub-post offices to compensate them for having to pay the Selective Employment Tax.

Mr. Joseph Slater

This is a matter that my right hon. Friend has under consideration and on which he will consult the National Federation of Sub-Postmasters as soon as possible.

Mr. Lewis

Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that it would not be an advantage for many of these sub-post offices to get rid of qualified staff and that it would not be in the interests of the Post Office itself? Secondly, as they earn little enough for having these sub-post offices, will they not find it very difficult to carry this tax?

Mr. Slater

Assistants are employed by the sub-postmasters and not the Post Office, so the Post Office has no control over them.