HC Deb 15 March 1906 vol 153 cc1415-7
DR. MACNAMARA (Camberwell, N.)

I beg to ask the Postmaster-General if he can say how many boys under sixteen years of age have been employed in any capacity in the postal and telegraph service during the past ten years; how many of these have been retained in the permanent ranks of the service in any capacity at the close of boyhood; how many have failed to find appointment in the service; whether his Department has in any way assisted these latter to permanent appointments outside the Department; and whether he has any information as to what has become of them.

THE POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. SYDNEY BUXTON,) Tower Hamlets, Poplar

I presume the hon. Member's Question refers to the telegraph messen-

of the Board of Trade what the average prices of home - grown and imported wheat were respectively in Germany during the five years ending 31st December, 1905; and what were respectively the average prices of home-grown and imported wheat in the United Kingdom during a similar period.

* MR. LLOYD-GEORGE

The following gives the information asked for so far as it is available:—

gers, who are the only boys under sixteen employed in the Post Office in considerable numbers, though the age of admission of certain other classes falls below sixteen at the inferior limit. To compile the Return asked for would occupy much time and labour. It may perhaps suffice to say that there are now in the Post Office 16,496 telegraph messengers. Of these perhaps half receive permanent posts. Many of the others leave of their own accord, and the rest for whom permanent places cannot be found are required to leave at sixteen, as their prospects of obtaining suitable private employment are much better at that age than they would be if they were retained longer in the service. It must be recollected that the Post Office is under agreement with the War Office and the Admiralty, to reserve half the appointments of postmen and certain other classes for ex-soldiers and ex-sailors. The matter is engaging my serious attention, with a view to see how far other openings can be found for these boys, either in public or private service.

MR. SLOAN (Belfast, S.)

Then do I understand that boys who are not to be permanently employed have to leave at the age of sixteen.

MR. SYDNEY BUXTON

It is not compulsory, and in some cases they are kept on longer. The reason for the arrangement is, it is found by experience if a boy leaves at sixteen, it is much more easy for him to find a place than if he is not discharged till he is eighteen.

DR. MACNAMARA

Am I to understand you cannot find permanent employment for more than half the boys?

MR. SYDNEY BUXTON

; I regret to say that is so.