With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions 51 and 52 together.
The Sub-Postmasters' Consultative Council was set up in 1956 to provide a means of regular consultation between representatives of the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs and of the Sub-Postmasters' Union on matters affecting the remuneration and conditions of service of sub-postmasters. The remuneration of sub-postmasters has been fully discussed by the Council in recent years and substantial increases have been granted following agreements reached with the Union.
Claims by the Union in regard to other conditions of Service are at present the subject of discussion at the Council.
Sub-postmasters are contractors paid on the basis of volume of work done at their offices and they are not required to give personal service. Accordingly, it is not proposed to introduce arbitration for them.