§ 33. Mr. DEVLINasked the Minister of Labour whether he is now in a position to state the result of his inquiry into the claim for out-of-work donation of the 1199 temporary postmen in Belfast who have been dismissed from their employment since the cessation of hostilities?
§ Mr. WARDLEOn the facts at present before me, I have come to the conclusion that the temporary postmen to whom the hon. Member refers cannot be brought within the scope of the modified out-of-work donation scheme for Ireland.
§ Mr. DEVLINWhat are the facts on which the right hon. Gentleman bases his decision?
§ Mr. WARDLEThe facts that have been given to me.
§ Mr. DEVLINCan the right hon. Gentleman tell me what they are?
§ Mr. WARDLEI will make inquiry into the whole matter, if that will satisfy the hon. Member.
§ Mr. DEVLINIt will not satisfy me.
34. The HON. MEMBER furtherasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that a number of female employés who were temporarily engaged in the Post Office service at Belfast are liable to be dismissed at any moment without any tangible re cognition of the help they rendered during the War and without being eligible for out-of-work donation; and whether, in view of the hardship that will thus be inflicted on these workers, he will consider the advisability of paying them out-of-work grants as some compensation for their services?
§ Mr. WARDLETemporary employés in the Government service are not included in the modified out-of-work donation scheme as it applies to Ireland, and I am not aware of any special circumstances in the cases referred to by the hon. Member which would justify exceptional treatment in this respect.