asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will state (a) the value of the unit used in computting inclusive remuneration allowed to sub-postmasters and sub-postmistresses, (b) on what items it is allowed, (c) the value of the average inclusive remuneration paid, (d) the lowest inclusive remuneration paid to a sub-postmaster or sub-postmistress, (e) if he has received a request for increased remuneration from this class, and, if so, what action he proposes to take.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Remuneration of Sub-Postmasters.
(a) The value of the unit depends on the volume of business transacted and varies from about ½d. at the larger offices to about 5d. at the very small offices. At present the average value of a unit is about 1¼d. (b) Units are allowed for some 60 items of business which come under the following headings:—
(1) handling of letters and parcels, (2) sale of stamps and licences, (3) attendance outside normal hours, (4) provision of special accommodation, (5) money order, postal order, savings bank and savings certificates transactions, (6) telegraph work and certain items of telephone work and (7) certain social welfare payments.
(c) £292 per annum. (d) £69 per annum. (e) Yes. As the matter is under consideration by the Sub-Postmasters' Consultative Council, I am not in a position to make an announcement at this stage.
When the matter comes up for consideration, will the Minister give the fairest attention he can to this question, as I believe they are the lowest paid people in the whole service and very often they do the hardest work?
Certainly. When it comes up I shall give it consideration.