§ 4. Mr. Goldingasked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications if he will issue a general direction to the Post Office board to pay bonuses to Post Office employees in areas of civil strife.
§ Sir J. EdenNo, Sir. The Post Office is bound by the provisions of the pay code, which now allows a flexibility margin.
§ Mr. GoldingIs the Minister aware that under phase 2 his Government prevented the Post Office from paying a £50 bonus to Post Office employees working in conditions of stress, and that under phase 3 the Government are proposing that the £50 bonus be paid from the wage increases of English, Welsh and Scottish Post Office staff? In view of the sterling service provided by Post Office employees in Northern Ireland, does he not regard this as absolutely scandalous?
§ Sir J. EdenI readily take the opportunity of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question to pay tribute to the wonderful example of loyal service given by all the Post Office employees in 589 Northern Ireland in the very difficult circumstances which they have encountered. That has been quite outstanding, and I accept the hon. Gentleman's comment. But with regard to the point he makes about particular monetary awards, the provision in the pay code allows for a flexibility margin, and it must now be a matter for discussion and negotiation between the Post Office unions and the Post Office as to how that is to be applied.
§ Mr. Gregor MackenzieWill the Minister take it that the Opposition congratulate the people employed in the Post Office in Northern Ireland, who are doing a magnificent job, but we believe that we should show our appreciation in more tangible form than we have done hitherto by giving them a bonus, as suggested by my hon. Friend?