§ MR. SULLIVAN (Westmeath, S.)To ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether he is aware that retired soldiers of good character are allowed certain privileges in the matter of appointments in the service of the General Post Office, and that such men are acting as auxiliary postmen in Ireland without any prospect of being placed on the established list, owing to their age; and, seeing that certain officers in the service of the General Post Office are allowed up to the age of 54 years to qualify for position, will the Postmaster General consider, with a view to granting them pensions, the case of retired soldiers now acting as auxiliary postmen, who have no Army pension, but have served twelve years and upwards in His Majesty's Army, and who, on retirement, and whilst yet under the prescribed 774 36 years of age limit, signified their intention of joining the service of the General Post Office.
(Answered by Mr. Austen Chamberlain). Auxiliary postmen, whether ex-soldiers or civilians, are not entitled to pension on retirement, as they are not required to give their whole time to the public service.