HC Deb 18 November 1914 vol 68 cc429-30
63. Mr. HOGGE

asked the Postmaster-General whether much overtime is being worked by the indoor staff of the Post Office; and whether this overtime could be avoided by employing qualified postmen inside and replacing them by temporary outsiders?

The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Hobhouse)

A certain amount of overtime is being worked by the indoor staff of the Post Office at present owing to the absence of officers on military duties and the shortage of trained substitutes. The expedient suggested has, in fact, been adopted in a number of cases when no other course was possible, but there would be difficulty in adopting the arrangement generally. Steps are being taken to engage and, as necessities arise, train temporary officers for indoor work as far as they are available.

Mr. HOGGE

Why is it that the Post Office which advises the country to carry on business as usual should employ so many fewer men at present?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

That is not the case. The Post Office have sent nearly 30,000 men to the Colours, and their business is brought down by something like fifteen or twenty per cent., and they have taken on 21,000 men in place of those sent away.

66. Mr. ROWLANDS

asked the Postmaster-General whether there is an age limit of forty-five years to qualify applicants for temporary employment in the Post Office, and, if so, whether he will consider the desirability of removing it in order to open employment for older men affected by the War and to set an example to employers?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

It has been the practice to impose an age limit of forty-five for the temporary staff engaged by the Post Office during the Christmas pressure. This year I have raised the limit to fifty.