§ Mr. ROSEasked the Postmaster-General whether the wages and conditions of service of shop assistants vary from trade to trade; whether he is prepared to adopt a standard rate for persons employed as sub-office assistants; and whether he will call upon the postmaster of Aberdeen to ascertain the wages which are being paid to sub-office assistants in his area in order that there may be no uncertainty as to the standard which is being applied?
§ Mr. PEASEThere are no doubt variations as between trade and trade, but there are also variations between district and district which render it undesirable for the Post Office to fix a standard rate, especially as sub-office assistants are often employed part of their time in the Sub-Postmaster's private business. As indicated in the reply to the hon. Member's question on the 25th ultimo, Postmasters are already in possession of particulars of the rates paid in their districts.