§ Mr. WILLIAM THORNEasked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that the Eastbourne Town Council have been taking a poll of the ratepayers in connection with the purchase of Devonshire Park from a private company; that the ballot papers were sent out by post on Saturday, 1st February, to the whole of the ratepayers; if he is aware that the Post Office engaged extra men, who were told to be at the office on Saturday morning at 9 o'clock, and, after waiting one hour, they were told that they would not be required until 12 o'clock; that they attended again at 12 o'clock, and were then told they would only be paid from 11 o'clock, and at the rate of 4½d. per hour; and if he will order the men to be paid from 9 o'clock, when they were engaged, and at the rate of not less than 6d. per hour?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELThe facts are as stated except that the casual men have since been paid at the rate of 6d. an hour in respect of attendance in excess of eight hours. The course taken was in accordance with the existing regulations, but I think that the rule may work hardly in a case of casual employment, and I propose to consider it further.