§ 84. Mr. HURDasked the Postmaster-General when he proposes to increase the number of disabled ex-service men, which is now 5,472, on the temporary staff of the Post Office in place of women, also temporarily employed, who now number 19,214?
§ The ASSISTANT POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Pike Pease)The figures which the hon. Member quotes are in respect of the 1st April, 1920. There has since then been an appreciable reduction in the number of temporary women, and steps are being taken to effect a further reduction. The Post Office has adopted special measures to provide employment for disabled men, and it has now in its employment over 20,000 disabled men, of whom some 5,000 are at present in a temporary capacity. A large proportion of the latter are being absorbed into the permanent service as vacancies occur, and I hope to engage still further disabled men for permanent posts.