Mr. T. WILSONasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that a number of ex-telegraph messengers who would normally have been promoted to assistant postmen are now serving with the Colours; and whether he will take steps to certify the appointments of these ex-telegraph messengers as assistant postmen so that they may come under the Regulations dealing with the civil pay of such men and not, as now, be treated under the Regulations dealing with the lower pay of telegraph messengers?
§ Mr. J. PEASEI am aware that a number of boy messengers who would normally have been appointed assistant postmen by now are serving with the Colours. Under the Regulations a Civil servant can only receive balance of civil pay based on the wages of the class to which he was attached at the time of enlistment, and I have no power to allow these youths balance of civil pay at a rate higher than that proper to boy messengers.