§ MR. SLOAN (Belfast, S.)To ask the Postmaster-General if he can explain why it is necessary to keep auxiliary postmen at Belfast from twelve to eighteen months without giving them permanent appointments, and thus enable them to come under the regulations for the supply of uniform and boots.
To ask the Postmaster General if he is aware that there are about thirty ex-soldiers and sailors employed as auxiliary postmen at Belfast; that many of them have been acting as such for the past twelve or eighteen months, and have not yet received uniform or boot allowance; and whether, seeing that letter carriers employed for more than three hours daily are entitled to be supplied with uniform, and those employed for five hours daily or more are entitled to uniform and boot allowance, he can see his way to have the regulations in these cases carried out forthwith.
(Answered by Mr. Sydney Buxton). It will be convenient to answer both of the hon. Member's Questions together. A revision of the outdoor postal services at Belfast is under consideration, and, pending settlement of the details, it has been necessary to employ some temporary men for postmen's duties. These men are not necessarily eligible for permanent appointments, nor are they entitled to uniform or boot allowances.