Mr. PIKE PEASEasked the Postmaster-General whether he can say how soon his decision will be given respecting the claim from Darlington postmen to be placed in Class 2, owing to the cost of living beng high, the Board of Trade Returns being given as 102?
§ Mr. SYDNEY BUXTONDarlington has been classed in accordance with the recommendation of the Parliamentary Committee. The volume of work at Darlington is represented by 591 units, which brings it well within Class III., the range of which is from 240 to 800 units. The index number for the cost of living, as supplied by the Board of Trade, is 102, the average being 100. Darlington is not, therefore, accordng to the Board of Trade figures, an exceptionally expensive place, and would not go up to a higher class on that basis. That being so, it remains in Class III.