HC Deb 12 July 1916 vol 84 cc336-7
90. Mr. WARDLE

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will reserve all vacancies in commissioned sub-offices to be filled either by expostal officials who have been compelled to return through wounds or ill-health contracted during service with the Colours or by the widows of postal servants who have been killed or have died while in the Army or Navy; and whether, in order to ensure equitable treatment, he will direct that all vacancies shall be filled direct from headquarters without reference to district surveyors, and that a notice be placed in the Post Office circular asking for names of persons desiring to be considered as candidates to be forwarded to the secretary of the Post Office?

Mr. PEASE

To be qualified for appointment to vacant scale-payment sub-post offices applicants must be in a position to provide suitable premises and assistance. General instructions have already been issued to ensure that disabled postal servants and widows of postal servants who have lost their lives while engaged on naval or military service shall receive preferential consideration for vacant sub-offices, provided that they can fulfil the conditions attaching to such appointments.

Mr. WARDLE

Could the right hon. Gentleman not see that they are assisted to provide these facilities?

Mr. PEASE

I do not think that I have any financial resources to enable me to provide capital in connection with the provision of premises—if that is what the hon. Member refers to.