§ 95. Mr. YEOasked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to the case of a discharged soldier who had been seeking employment for six months and had applied at post offices in Bournemouth, Reading, Oxford, Banbury, and Manchester, who, on being sent by a Labour Exchange to a post office, on presenting his papers and applying for employment, was refused and informed by 1365 the officials that the Department preferred women; and whether he will instruct local officials to honour his pledge given in this House that discharged soldiers and sailors would have first claim to temporary employment?
§ The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Joseph Pease)Preference for temporary employment in the Post Office during the War is already given to soldiers and sailors who have been discharged from the forces through wounds or other disablement incurred on active service, provided that they are physically capable of performing the work. At the request of the War Office employment is not being offered to "time-expired" soldiers who are eligible for re-enlistment. A certain number of ex-soldiers and ex-sailors are also being appointed to permanent positions in the Post Office, but, largely owing to the necessity of keeping open permanent posts for Post Office servants when they return from the Colours, it is not possible to do much at present in this direction. The hon. Member may rest assured that every endeavour is being made, and will continue to be made, to find employment for such applicants, and it is extremely desirable that such men should seek employment through the Labour Exchanges, with whom we are in close touch. We have not been able to trace the case of the discharged soldier referred to in the question, or that any statement has been made that women were preferred, but if more definite particulars can be furnished I will have further inquiry made.