asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will state, with regard to the ninth round wage increases awarded to auxiliary postmen, the number of such postmen who received increased of (a) £1 or over, (b) 18/- to £1, (c) 16/- to 18/-, (d) 14/- to 16/-, and (e) less than 14/-.

The numbers are as follows:—

Is the Minister aware that when the recommendation was being made between the employers and the trade unions the stipulation was that the floor should be £1 and can the Minister explain how all those people even though they are referred to as part time and although this is the only job they have, do not receive that amount?

The Deputy has answered his own question. The auxiliary postmen are paid on an hourly basis. Their attendance varies from 12 to 36 hours.

Does the Minister think that all those people have another job from which they can live?

I do not consider that at all. It does not necessarily follow that a man would have another job.

It would naturally follow that they would need another job.

They are paid on an hourly basis.