§ Mr. R. YOUNGasked the Postmaster-General whether he has refused to permit the Postal and Telegraph Clerks' Association to represent caretaker-operators who are members of that society; whether, despite his action, a considerable number of caretaker-operators have joined that trade union; whether, on the 9th July, he stated that the allowance, excluding war bonus is more than 10s. per week in many cases and that a free living accommodation is provided in all cases; whether he is aware that at Barmouth the allowance is 5s. 6d. and a bonus of 6s., out of which the caretaker-operator has to pay the post office 6s. rent; whether on 6th July he stated that personal attendance is not required and caretaker-operators to make their own arrangements with the staff whom they employ; and whether, having regard to the extremely low wages paid by the post office, it is possible for the caretaker-operators to make a proper payment for any assistance which is received?
§ Mr. ILLINGWORTHI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on the 13th August, 1919, regarding the claim of the Postal and Telegraph Clerks' Association to represent caretaker-operators. I am not aware of any change in the circumstances. I am making inquiry as to the remuneration of the night telephone attendant at Barmouth, to whom I assume the hon. Member refers. The statements in the replies of the 7th and 9th July did not apply to the class of night telephone attendants, who are paid on a somewhat different, basis from caretaker-operators.