asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he is aware of the unwillingness of young girls to train as sub-office assistants because sub-postmasters are unable to pay them a just wage out of their own meagre salaries; and, if so, if he will take steps to have this unsatisfactory position remedied forthwith.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sub-Post Office Assistants.
22.
I am not aware that subpostmasters generally are having difficulties in recruiting assistants. As I stated in reply to a question on 30th November, subpostmasters have received substantial increases in salary in recent years and claims for further increases are under consideration at present by the Subpostmasters' Consultative Council.
Is it not a fact that subpostmasters are expected to work 140 hours per week on the meagre salary of £80 per year, out of which they have to provide premises, light and fuel?
The Question relates to the training of sub-office assistants.
I am coming to that. If what I have stated is so, how can a subpostmaster be expected to bring in a trainee on this meagre salary? Is the Minister aware that he will not get slave labour to come in in these circumstances?
The Minister is not looking for slave labour. Subpostmasters accept their appointments on certain conditions. The board which certifies the suitable person to me must be satisfied that the applicant is solvent and in a position to live, apart from the allowance paid to him as a subpostmaster. In practically all cases, they have other occupations or a business in which they are full-time engaged.
Accepting the facts given by the Minister, out of the meagre salary paid to them, how can they bring in learners and pay them some pocket money?
They are not dependent upon the salary paid to them as subpostmasters or subpostmistresses.
Therefore they should run their business at a loss.
They are paid £94 and not £80, as the Deputy stated. In some cases, they are paid up to £1,500 for their services.
Even £94 is not very much when a man has to do a 140-hour week.