§ Mr. JOWETTasked the Postmaster-General whether it is proposed to offer a reduction of £200 in the rental of all twelve-hour newspaper wires, in consideration of the proprietors employing their own staff; whether this decision is in accordance with Clause 16 of the Act of Transfer, 1868; and whether, in view of a distinct promise given by his predecessor to a Trade Union Congress deputation that a Fair-wage Clause should be inserted in all future contracts, he will make provision for such a clause to be inserted in all contracts of this character?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELThe answer is in the negative. I am not proposing to vary the terms under which the Postmaster-General is empowered under the Act of 1868 to let to newspaper proprietors the special use of a public wire for twelve hours per diem, when it is not required for the public service, at an inclusive charge of £500 per annum. The provision of wires for private use, however, whether of proprietors of newspaper or others, at rates based on the mileage of the circuit is quite outside Clause 16 of the Post Office Act of 1868. The mileage rates do not cover the supply of staff. With regard to a Fair-wages Clause, I beg to refer the lion. Member to my predecessor's reply to his question of 20th February, 1908. The promise made by my predecessor to the deputation from the Trades Union Congress in 1909 related only to a large scheme of newspaper wires which subsequently fell through.