asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if, in view of the increasing duties devolving on sub-postmasters and sub-postmistresses as a result of the extension of social services, he will have their salaries and conditions of employment reviewed.

Extra remuneration is allowed either by an increase in scale payment, where warranted, or by the payment of a specific allowance for any additional work devolving upon sub-postmasters and sub-postmistresses as a result of an extension of social services.

The Sub-Postmasters' Consultative Council, which I set up recently, provides a means of formal consultation between representatives of my Department and the Sub-Postmasters' Union on matters affecting the remuneration and conditions of service of sub-postmasters.