HC Deb 27 February 1919 vol 112 cc1956-7
77. Colonel YATE

asked the Postmaster-General what steps are to be taken, in view of the present alteration in the conditions of the entry for permanent employment in the Post Office of ex-soldiers, to enable the regular soldier, who has already registered his name on the register for permanent Post Office employment, to obtain the employment for which he was registered under the authority of the Official Guide to Civil Employment, issued by the War Office?

Mr. ILLINGWORTH

I am not aware to what alteration the hon. and gallant Member refers. The registration and primary selection of ex-soldiers for Post Office employment has for many years been carried out under the control of the War Office, and that arrangement is still in force.

Colonel YATE

Does that apply to the Regular soldier only?

Mr. ILLINGWORTH

To all of them, I understand.

78. Colonel YATE

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the importance to recruiting, and to the fact that a large number of Regular soldiers have already registered their names for permanent positions in the Post Office, it is intended that the 50 per cent. of vacancies in the Post Office reserved in the past for the Regular ex-Service men will still be reserved for them?

Mr. ILLINGWORTH

All vacancies for postmen and porters which are not required for ex-boy messengers will be given to ex-soldiers and ex-sailors. I hope that the 50 per cent. proportion will be exceeded during the period following the end of the War.