HC Deb 07 June 1921 vol 142 cc1674-5
33. Sir S. HOARE

asked the Postmaster-General whether the payment for the annual holidays of postal servants is arranged upon a system of overtime for those postal servants who are not taking their holiday; and whether it would be cheaper to employ ex-service men from outside the postal service, particularly at a time when so many men are drawing unemployment insurance pay?

Mr. KELLAWAY

Annual holidays are for the most part provided for by permanent reserve force authorised for the purpose; but such additional provision as is necessary is being made as far as possible by the temporary employment of ex-service men and other persons otherwise unemployed.

Sir S. HOARE

Is the rate to be paid for overtime to existing officials higher than the rate that would be paid to ex-service men if they were brought in from outside?

Mr. KELLAWAY

If the overtime be compared with ordinary time the rate would be higher.

Sir S. HOARE

Would not it be both cheaper and better if overtime were not paid at all, and ex-service men brought in at the ordinary rates?

Mr. KELLAWAY

If my hon. and gallant Friend will refer to my answer, he will see that this is met by the employment of the permanent reserve force.