HC Deb 22 June 1915 vol 72 c1045
19. General Sir IVOR HERBERT

asked the Postmaster-General whether he can state the number of young men of military age who have been appointed as postmen to replace Reservists called up on mobilisation; and whether he will consider the propriety of revising such appointments and of employing women as letter carriers, as is being done in France?

The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Herbert Samuel)

The total number of men acting as temporary postmen is approximately 16,000. Of these about 9,000 are of military age, but a considerable proportion of them are unfit for military service. A number of women have already been engaged to act as letter carriers. I have the whole matter under consideration and hope to be able to make a statement shortly.