Mr. NUGENTasked the Postmaster-General whether, with reference to the demand of the Post Office employés for an advance in wages to meet the extra cost of living entailed by the War, he will state whether there is any difference as between London and Dublin in the wages paid to the various grades of Post Office employés; if so, what these differences are; whether he will also state if there are a number of senior positions in the Dublin Post Office vacant; if similar places in Great Britain have been filled up as a matter of course, and what is the reason why the Dublin vacancies have not been filled up; what action, if any, he proposes to take in this matter ,. and whether, in view of the grievances of which the Dublin Post Office employés already complain, he will consider the advisability of receiving a deputation from their accredited representatives?
§ Mr. J. PEASEThe level of wages paid to Post Office employés generally in the provinces, including Dublin, is lower than in London. For details of particular classes I would refer the hon. Member to the Estimates, in which the different scales are published. In answer to the hon. Member's question of the 7th March last I furnished particulars of the vacancies on supervising grades at Dublin and certain other large towns and the number which had been filled. Since then I have authorised promotion at Dublin and elsewhere. At the present time it is necessary to consider, as each vacancy arises, whether the state of the work requires it to be filled, and Dublin is not being treated exceptionally in this respect. I do not think that any good purpose would be served by my receiving a deputation from the Dublin staff.