§ 28. Mr. LUNDONasked the Postmaster-General whether notices of dismissal have been served in various districts in Ireland upon married as well as unmarried postmen of military age; if so, whether he will explain why these men, most of whom have brothers and relatives fighting in the trenches in France and elsewhere, have been so treated; and, with a view to aid recruiting in Ireland, will steps be taken to withdraw the order referred to?
§ 29. Mr. CHARLES DUNCANasked the Postmaster-General how many temporary postal servants have been or are being discharged for not attesting under Lord Derby's scheme; whether there is any appeal in order to obtain reinstatement; and whether he can state that if a temporary postal worker does attest and is called up he will be given work, and, if so, of what kind, at the cessation of the War on his return from active service?
§ The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Herbert Samuel)The measures taken relate to the whole of the temporary staff, and have been taken in the Post Office in common with all other Government Departments. I have no returns showing the numbers affected. Any appeals would be considered on their merits. I much regret that I cannot hold out any prospect of an appointment in the Post Office being available after the War for a member of the temporary staff who enlists. The number of posts available will probably be far less than the number of ex-soldier candidates who have qualified under the Regulations. I do not think it is justifiable that Post Office servants who have enlisted for active service should see their places being filled by temporary men who are themselves eligible for military service.