§ Mr. WATERSONasked the Postmaster-General whether he issued proposals during May by which all independent postmasters will be reduced in status; whether this involves an ultimate reduc- 1003W tion in pay to large bodies of Post Office workers; whether he consulted the Post Office trade unions; and whether he will refer the subject to the Whitley Committee about to be set up?
§ Mr. PEASEFor administrative reasons the majority of the postmasters who have hitherto been controlled directly from headquarters, have been placed under the district surveyors. The change does not in any way affect the pay and conditions of service of the staff in the offices concerned; therefore ray right hon. Friend did not consider it necessary to consult the staff associations.