§ Mr. E. Granvilleasked the Postmaster-General if he is aware of the hardship caused to certain categories of sub-postmasters through unsatisfactory working conditions; and if, in view of the fact that there is a strong feeling of grievance concerning the low rates of pay for this exacting work and the lack of reasonable holidays, except for official ones, he will undertake an inquiry with a view to initiating improved conditions of service.
§ Captain CrookshankThe conditions of sub-postmasters are under frequent consideration in consultation with the National Federation of Sub-Postmasters, which represents their interests. I cannot agree that there is any general inadequacy in the present rates of payment, which are arrived at by a system of unit credits applied to the business actually done. A general review of the details of these credits is contemplated after the war, but is not practicable at the present time owing to war-time conditions. A scheme 1931W of reimbursing sub-postmasters under certain conditions for the cost of substitution incurred while taking holidays was recently introduced, in agreement with the Federation.