§ Mr. MARSHALLasked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Mr. Dyson, a post office learner at Wakefield, who has been performing full post office duties for the last seven months at a wage of 10s. per week, plus a war bonus of 2s. recently added, whilst temporary boys lacking the qualifications of Mr. Dyson have been, and are, receiving 27s. per week; and whether, having regard to the dissatisfaction which such inequalities create, he will take steps to secure a reasonable wage for all responsible Post Office workers?
Mr. PIKE PEASEAuthority has now been received to grant a somewhat higher rate of pay to learners under 18 years of 1665W age when regularly employed on full duties, and Mr. Dyson will receive an increase at an early date. A learner is on a different footing from a temporary employé, inasmuch as he has a prospect of early establishment and in the meantime may be regarded as serving an apprenticeship.