HC Deb 08 February 1971 vol 811 cc29-30W
107. Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications whether he is aware that the basis upon which he stated that postmen average £25 3s. 8d. per week was a national sampling survey carried out in one given week by the Post Office Board; what this average was on an annual basis excluding the managerial and supervisory grades; and if he will give similar details for those on the stated lowest grade of Post Office employee.

Mr. Chataway

Yes. The survey was made under the aegis of the then Department of Employment and Productivity in a week in April regarded as typical of normal conditions. The figure relates to postmen only; it does not cover Postmen, Higher Grade, or any supervising and managerial staff.

I have no corresponding figure on an annual basis, which would include the high seasonal earnings of some Postmen, especially at Christmas.

On the last part of the Question, it is not possible, because of differing conditions of service, to identify a lowest grade, but the Post Office has given me the following figures for Cleaners:

Men: £19 9s. 6d. a week
Women: £16 9s. Od. A week