asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been drawn to the inadequacy of the standard rates of 49s. to 52s. per week for adult male telephonists in London, quoted in his letter of 15th April to the hon. Member for the Park Division, Sheffield; and whether it is his intention to utilise part of the revenue derived from the proposed increases in telephone charges to improve those rates so as to enable these responsible employés to obtain the necessaries of life?

The wage rates mentioned by the hon. Member have recently been increased with effect from 27th April. Moreover, employés of the Post Office are covered by the discussions regarding the pay of the lower paid grades of civil servants which are now taking place with the Staff Side of the National Whitley Council. The matter is referred to in the answer of my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer to a Question by the hon. Member for Tottenham (Mr. R. C. Morrison) on 2nd May, of which I am sending him a copy.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us any information as to the nature of the increases?

I will, with notice, give the hon. Gentleman the actual increases.

When are these discussions likely to result in a settlement on an upward basis? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that auxiliary postmen in the London area are considering very earnestly whether to apply for an augmentation of their wages from the Public Assistance Committee?

I cannot answer the second part of the Question; but in answer to the first part, we intend to proceed with the negotiations as rapidly as possible.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will consider the issue of a new 2½d. stamp inscribed postage and war tax so that those who have to bear this additional burden may be reminded that they are contributing something towards the cost of the war?

A new series of centenary stamps was issued the day before yesterday, and arrangements have been made for the issue of a series of Franco-British stamps in the autumn. I am afraid that it is impracticable to issue yet another design of stamp on the lines suggested by my hon. Friend.

Would it not be possible to adopt letterpress somewhat on the lines stated in the Question, as many people consider, to use an agricultural simile which should appeal to my right hon. Friend, that it would "temper the wind to the shorn lamb"?

I think it is known to the public that the increased postage rates are contributing towards the war.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of having the 2½d. stamps made very much smaller?

asked the Postmaster-General why increases in wages have been refused to office cleaners working in London in his Department, whereas increases have been granted to office cleaners working under similar conditions under His Majesty's Office of Works?

Cleaners employed in the Post Office in London are covered by the discussions regarding the pay of the lower paid grades of civil servants now taking place with the Staff Side of the National Whitley Council. The matter is referred to in the answer of my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer to a question by the hon. Member for Tottenham (Mr. R. C. Morrison) on 2nd May, of which I am sending him a copy.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not agree that at present the wages of these office cleaners are lower than those paid in the Office of Works?

That is so, but the conditions of service are not quite similar.