§ Mr. THOMASasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that three temporary sorting clerks are at present employed at the Derby Post Office at wages considerably less than those paid to the regular staff for doing similar work; and, having regard to the fact that this employment of temporary labour has been going on for over two years and repeated promises having been made to deal with the question, whether he will take immediate steps to have the staff so increased so as to prevent the necessity of temporary men working at a less wage than that paid for the work performed?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELI am aware that it has been necessary to authorise the employment of postmen on sorting work at Derby, pending an increase of the regular sorting staff. Steps will be taken as quickly as possible to make such increase. The difficulty has arisen from the adoption of a new circulation for letters under which additional work has been thrown upon Derby.