HC Deb 21 November 1938 vol 341 cc1365-7W
Mr. Parkinson

asked the Postmaster-General the number of sub-post offices in England, Wales and Scotland, respectively, stating the number of sub-postmasters and sub-postmistresses in each country, respectively?

Major Tryon

On the 31st of March, 1938 the number of scale payment sub-post offices in England and Wales was 20,020 and in Scotland 2,378.

On the same date there were, in England and Wales, 12,725 sub-postmasters and 7,190 sub-postmistresses; and in Scotland 1,269 sub-postmasters and 1,106 sub-postmistresses.

The difference between the number of offices and the number of sub-postmasters and sub-postmistresses is accounted for by the fact that, in a few cases, sub-postmasters are responsible for more than one sub-office.

As the post office district boundaries and the county administrative boundaries are not co-terminous it is not possible, without a disproportionate amount of labour, to furnish separate figures for Wales.

Mr. Parkinson

asked the Postmaster-General the number of hours sub-post offices are open for business each day in Great Britain; and whether the hours are uniform in England, Scotland and Wales?

Major Tryon

Scale payment sub-post offices in England, Scotland and Wales are normally open for public business each week-day from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., except on the early closing day, when they are open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; but in some cases the hours of opening are shorter. Scale payment sub-postmasters are under no obligation to give personal attendance.

Mr. Parkinson

asked the Postmaster-General the number of sub-postmasters and sub-postmistresses who are in receipt of salaries of £1 per week or less, stating each separately?

Major Tryon

The number of sub-postmasters and sub-postmistresses whose emoluments do not exceed £1 a week is approximately 6,650. Separate figures for sub-postmasters and sub-postmistresses are not available: the scale of pay is the same for both sexes. Scale payment sub-offices are usually run in conjunction with a private business and the post office emoluments are not of course intended to constitute the sole means of subsistence. The post office business transacted at the smaller sub-offices would in many cases occupy in the aggregate only a few hours a week.