§ 80. Mr. GILBERTasked the Postmaster-General whether an Order has been issued by his Department that male telegraphists and male learners of telegraphy, even if Al men, are not to be released for military service until they reach the age of nineteen years ; whether there are sufficient female operators and learners in the Department to carry on; and whether all males of eighteen years and upwards in his Department will be put on the same conditions of military service as applies to men of the same age who happen to be in civilian employment?
§ The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Illingworth)The men in question are released as soon as they are needed by the military authorities. The telegraph staff of the Post Office is greatly depleted by enlistments, and it is of advantage to retain these young men on civil duties until they are actually required for active service. The arrangement has the sanction of the Minister of National Service.