§ MR. T. F. RICHARDS (Wolverhampton, W.)To ask the Postmaster-General whether there is any rule or custom, and, if so, to what extent, to exclude the general public from employment in any of the postal departments; whether ex-soldiers or ex-sailors have any preference of employment; and, if so, in what departments and to what extent.
(Answered by Mr. Sydney Buxton.) The general public have access, either directly or after service in lower grades, to all situations in the Post Office, except to one-half of the vacancies for postmen and porters and a few other posts, such as lift attendant, which, under an arrangement of many years' standing, are allotted to ex-soldiers and ex-sailors.