§ Mr. F. E. SMITHasked the Postmaster-General whether, at the Parliamentary revision of July, 1908, London telegraphists were in receipt of a maximum salary of 62s. per week and Liverpool telegraphists of 56s. per week; whether the difference was due to the greater cost of living in London; whether, at the Parliamentary revision, the scale of the London telegraphists was raised to 65s. weekly, while that of Liverpool remained unaltered; whether, if so, such increase was granted by reason of a further rise in the cost of living or for what other reason; whether he is aware that the cost of living has also increased in Liverpool; and whether he will consider the whole question, with a view to increasing the Liverpool maximum to 59s?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELThe hon. Member will see on reference to paragraph 214 of the Report of the Select Committee on Post Office Servants that they recommended an increase of the maximum of the scale of pay for male telegraphists in London because of the unfavourable conditions of their service. I am not prepared at the present time to reconsider the recommendation of the Parliamentary Committee with regard to wages payable at Liverpool.