asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will state the rates paid to sub-postmasters in respect of night services extended beyond the normal working hours.

Sub-Postmasters are paid £18 per annum for providing telephone service between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. in addition to payment for the calls dealt with. Where all-night service is provided additional payments are made as follows:—

£65 per annum at offices with not more than 50 lines.

£75 per annum at offices with from 51 to 100 lines.

£80 per annum at offices with more than 100 lines.

Calls dealt with between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. are paid for at six times the day-time rate.

All-night service is given by an "on call" arrangement and does not involve continuous attendance at the switchboard.

Would the Minister agree that extra remuneration for all-night services does not justify the employment of extra assistance? Would the Minister consider giving a fee commensurate with the work?

I am afraid I cannot give any further information. The amount varies according to the volume of business transacted at the office.

Is the Minister aware that, where extra services are proposed, the sub-postmasters are inclined to fear having to employ extra assistance?

I cannot give any further information. The organisation of the postmasters are meeting the Department in the course of the next two months to discuss the matter.