§ Mr. JOWETTasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that Mr. Morrell, sorting clerk and telegraphist at Batley has been refused a subsistence allowance on two occasions when he has been absent from headquarters; whether he is aware that Mr. Morrell's wages were 14s. and 16s. per week, respectively, during the two periods in question; that he was compelled on the second occasion to obtain fresh lodgings at an increased rent in order to suit the Departmental convenience; whether he has been informed that staff rule 173 authorises the payment of a subsistence allowance in all such cases; that similar payments, at a much higher rate, are always paid to postmasters without question; and whether,
1618Win the circumstances, he will take immediate steps to secure the impartial operation of the rules to all classes of Post Office servants?
§ Captain NORTONMr. Morrell is employed for the purpose of rendering assistance at Dewsbury or at Batley as circumstances may require. The post offices in the two towns axe but two miles apart. The facts of the case are as stated in the question, except that no change in Mr. Morrell's place of residence has ever been required or suggested officially. The reason for refusing to pay subsistence allowance is that no evidence has been adduced by Mr. Morrell that he has had to incur enhanced expense for subsistence when working at Dewsbury. Unless such expense be incurred no officer of the Post Office, whatever be the rate of subsistence allowance proper to his grade, is entitled to receive such allowance. The rule cited
merely specifies the amount of subsistence allowance proper to certain grades of Post Office servants.