§ Mr. NIELDasked the Postmaster-General whether it is his intention to withdraw from the Post Office the issue and sale of the new insurance cards and, if so, 566W upon what grounds; whether this class of business was the only branch of the national insurance business with which the postal service was concerned which was adequately remunerated; and whether it is proposed to give any compensation to sub-postmasters or relieve them of any other portion of insurance business?
§ Captain NORTONI assume that the hon. Member refers to a change of practice which was made in January last, under which deposit contributors, instead of surrendering their stamped cards and insurance books at post offices, now normally send them direct to the National Insurance Commission by post and—as a rule—receive new cards direct from the Commission. The alteration was made for the convenience of the Insurance Commission, and at their instance. The remuneration of sub postmasters for national insurance work performed by them was fixed after full consideration, and in the light of the recommendations of the recent Select Committee on Post Office servants, and is considered to be adequate. The question of granting compensation for withdrawal of work does not arise.
§ Mr. NIELDasked the Postmaster-General whether it is his intention to make any alteration in the remuneration to sub-postmasters in respect of payment for telegrams when sent over the telephone; whether the contemplated increase of 50 per cent. recommended by the Report on postal servants is to be effected; and, if so, from what date such increase will start?
§ Captain NORTONThe credit for work at scale payment sub-offices where the telegrams are transmitted by telephone will remain at four units per telegram. The increase from four to six units per telegram transmitted by sounder or single-needle instruments will take effect in each case from the dates of application of the Holt scales.