Sir H. DALZIELasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the feeling among postal workers, in view of the large increase in the cost of living, that a 5s. increase should be granted in wages; and, having regard to the concession that has been granted by the Government to the railwaymen, whether he can hold out any hope that he can revise his decision on this matter?
§ Mr. J. PEASEThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. In regard to the second part, the postal servants received last year a war bonus, which has been increased under the recent decision of the Government granting a war bonus to Civil servants within certain wage limits. I have informed the National Joint Committee of Post Office Associations that if they will send me a written statement of their case, I shall consider whether I should lay it before my colleagues in the Government.
§ Mr. ALDENasked the Postmaster-General whether the employés of the Post Office have yet received any war bonus; and, if so, on what conditions and to what amount?
§ Mr. PEASEPost Office servants were granted a war bonus as from the 1st March, 1915. An increased war bonus has recently998W been granted by the Government, which has been paid as from 1st July last. This war bonus is payable to other Civil servants as well and amounts to 4s. a week for men whose wages do not exceed 40s. a week, and 3s. a week for men whose wages exceed 40s. but do not exceed 60s. a week. For female Post Office servants and for male Post Office servants under eighteen years of age the war bonus is one-half the amount payable to men under similar circumstances.