asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he is aware that the casual labouring staff employed at Saint John's Road depot, who are all married men and are on a wage of £4 17s. 1d. per week, have not received any increase since the bonus of 11/- per week was granted to meet the increase in the cost of living in 1948; and, if so, if he will state whether it is proposed to grant them an increase at an early date.

Casual labourers employed in the stores branch are paid at the rate of £4 19s. 0d. a week. This rate has been in force since May, 1948. The question of increasing it has been raised by the union concerned and is at present being examined.

Will the Minister take into consideration the fact that they have received no increase since 1948?

Every fact will be taken into consideration including the fact, as the Deputy states, that wages have increased since the period by a certain percentage.

By more than a 1/- per week anyway.