§ Mr. HOGGEasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that, in spite of Treasury instructions on the subject, the 2d. receipt stamp on wages receipts has not yet been abolished in his Department; what is the reason for this; and whether he will give immediate instructions for payment to be made in front of witnesses and the amounts wrongly deducted since the issue of Treasury instructions repaid to members of the staff concerned?
§ Mr. HARTSHORNThe introduction of the system, of witnessed payment of wages throughout the Post Office was found to be impracticable both by reason of the expense and of the administrative difficulties which it entailed. The matter will, however, be settled by the passing of Clause 36 of the Finance Bill, which exempts payment of wages from Stamp Duty.