§ Mr. CARR-GOMMasked the Postmaster-General whether there is any change this year in the arrangements for taking on extra men for Christmas work in the Post Office; and whether he has had any difficulty in obtaining a sufficient number of men for the purpose?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELThe temporary force for Christmas work is being recruited, as was done last year, through the Labour Exchanges. Owing to the prosperous state of trade the number of applicants for employment has not been so large as usual; but there is no reason to anticipate that a sufficient number of suitable persons will not be forthcoming.
§ Mr. WILLIAM THORNEasked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that the auxiliary postmen in the Barking district are being taken on from the Labour Exchange at the rate of 5½d. per hour against 6d. per hour paid last year; and if he intends taking any action in the matter?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELI assume that the hon. Member refers to the temporary staff engaged to assist during the Christmas pressure. The proposed payment had already been brought under notice and instructions given for the men to receive last year's rates, namely, 6d. an hour for1526W ordinary week-day duty and 8d. an hour for Sunday and Christmas Day duty.