44. Major HOPEasked whether appointments as established postmen are now limited to ex-soldiers and sailors, boy messengers, and other employés on the establishment of the Post Office?
§ Captain NORTONVacancies for established postmen are reserved for boy messengers and for ex-soldiers and ex-sailors. In a few exceptional cases appointments are conferred on auxiliary postmen.
Major HOPEWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman give special consideration to these auxiliary postmen, who, as boys, were appointed auxiliary postmen, and since then have drifted along to blind-alley employment?
§ Captain NORTONWe are not exactly able to do that except in cases where outsiders are unable to secure housing accommodation. When a man has been a long time an auxiliary postman, and his duties increase up to the standard required for a full time post, we usually appoint him to that post.
§ Captain NORTONThat question has been settled long ago. They have no claim.
§ Sir W. P. BYLESWhy are ex-soldiers permitted privileges which are denied to ex-weavers and ex-miners?
§ Captain NORTONBecause some years ago, at my instance, when the Opposition were in office, they made a rule that ex-soldiers and ex-sailors were to have the first claim.