Mr. NUGENTasked the Postmaster-General whether, seeing that arrange- 424W ments are made whereby temporary clerks in practically all Government Departments receive full rates of pay for a certain period of absence due to sick leave, he will explain why arrangements are in force in the Post Office where by skilled temporary telegraphists in the chief office, district offices, and branch offices in London and in the chief offices of all the large provincial towns do not receive any pay whatsoever whilst absent on sick leave; and whether he proposes to take any steps in this matter?
§ Mr. ILLINGWORTHUnder the ordinary Post Office Regulations persons employed in a temporary capacity as telegraphists are not eligible for the privilege of sick pay, but are insured under the National Insurance Act; I see no sufficient reason for making any change in those Regulations. Temporary clerks engaged by the Civil Service Commissioners, who are of course not employed in manipulative duties such as telegraphy, enjoy the same privileges in the Post Office as in other Government Departments.