§ Sir GEORGE KEKEWICHasked the Postmaster-General whether it is the rule that the places of salaried sub-postmasters who are on annual leave are supplied by sorting clerks and telegraphists from the head office; whether he is aware that in some instances this rule is not observed, and that consequently, where only one established officer is attached to a post office, it is often the case that unestablished assistants are left in charge for several hours daily during the absence of the established officer; whether consequently such assistants are often left in 1815W charge during the receipt and despatch of mails, with established postmen under their control, although those postmen are more experienced and receive higher wages; and whether he will investigate the system adopted in sub-offices in this respect?
§ Mr. SYDNEY BUXTONThe rule is not as stated. It is that salaried sub-postmasters should as far as possible be substituted by officers subordinate to them. This rule has worked satisfactorily, and I see no good reason for modifying it.