HC Deb 03 November 1908 vol 195 c988
*CAPTAIN FABER

I beg to ask the Postmaster-General whether he can see his way to employing more old soldiers and sailors as postmen and carriers to the Post Office in place of, as in some cases now, employing women whose husbands are in full civilian work and men who are in constant civil employment to do postal work.

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

As regards the established postmen, all the appointments are given to ex-messengers or to ex-soldiers and sailors. As a rule, the duties on which women and men with other work are employed are small delivery duties for a few hours a week, which do not, therefore, carry sufficient pay to attract ex-soldiers and sailors. It is the practice not to employ women on such work if suitable men can be found to undertake it.

CAPTAIN FABER

But is it not the fact that people who are in full employment do this work?

MR. SYDNEY BUXTON

It is only in cases where the duty amounts to a few hours per week. The matter is a small one, but if the hon. Gentleman can quote me any cases I will consider them.