HC Deb 07 December 1922 vol 159 cc2044-5W
Mr. SNOWDEN

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that at the West Central District Post Office men who for about two years have been employed as temporary postmen have been put on short time, and are now earning only 19s. 1d. a week, and that in the same office, immediately after this reduction to short time, about 40 full-time men were put on overtime; will he take steps to ensure a more even distribution of the work; is he aware that the men on short time are precluded by the conditions of their employment from getting the unemployment pay; and will he so arrange the short time, if it be absolutely necessary, that the men may be eligible for unemployment pay?

Mr. LANSBURY

asked the Postmaster-General if temporary postmen in London have been informed that on and after 2nd December their hours of labour will be reduced from eight hours to three hours a day, and their wages consequently reduced from £2 17s. 6d. to £1 per week, and from this amount a sum of 1s. 2d. for National Health and Unemployment Insurance and fares to and from work have to be deducted; and will he reconsider the proposed reduction?

Mr. R. YOUNG

asked the Postmaster-General how many temporary postmen at the West Central District Post Office have had their hours reduced from eight to three per day, with a corresponding reduction of wages from £2 17s. 6d. to £1 0s. 1d. per week; how many of these men are ex-service men; whether other men are being taken on to replace them; and whether the Employment Exchanges are inviting men to register for Christmas work?

Mr. N. CHAMBERLAIN

Eleven temporary officers (all ex-service men) in the Western Central District Post Office, who were originally engaged in a part-time capacity, but who have for some time past been performing full-time duties, have recently had to revert to part-time employment, as full-time duties were no longer available for them. I regret that it is impracticable to re-arrange the part-time attendances in such a way that the men would be eligible for unemployment pay. Other men are not being engaged to replace the men whose duties have been reduced, and it is not the case that 40 full-time men were placed on overtime immediately after the reduction. Any overtime work has been of an emergency character, and has no connection with the reduction. It is not anticipated that additional staff will be needed at Christmas at the Western Central District Office, but part-time ex-service men will be given full-time work as far as practicable.