§ Mr. Wilmotasked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the fact that soldiers were employed in some districts last Christmas on Post Office work, although suitable civilian labour could, have been obtained if adequate remuneration had been paid, he will consider offering higher rates of pay to civilian Christmas casual employees and thus reduce the need to make use of soldiers on civilian work who receive only Army rates of pay and allowances?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonThe employment of soldiers last Christmas on the heavier part of the mail work for which women are unsuitable was resorted to only in those cases where suitable civilian men were not available. I am satisfied that the question of the rates of pay fixed for male civilians did not affect the position. The rates of pay to civilian casual staff during the forthcoming Christmas period will be higher than those paid last year by an amount approximating to the increase of war bonus granted in March last to the corresponding Post Office grades.