§ 90. Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTEasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that a large number of telegraph messengers are waiting for employment as postmen in the Exeter area and that this is preventing permanent employment being given to ex-service men, some of whom are disabled and have been employed as temporary postmen; and whether he will take immediate steps to ensure that preference is given to deserving ex-service men in this area?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONHalf the vacancies for postmen are assigned to boy messengers and half to ex-service men. The boy messengers are engaged on leaving school on the understanding that, if they prove satisfactory, permanent places will be found for them on reaching adult age. Men engaged for purely temporary work have no claim to permanent employment, and can only be considered for appointment as postmen if they are put forward therefor, in turn with other ex-service men, by the Employment Exchange, through which channel all ex-service men are obtained. The ex-service men have had their full share of postmen's vacancies in the Exeter area, but the filling of vacancies is at present suspended in view of a revision of postal services which may result in a reduction of staff.
§ Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTEWill the right hon. Gentleman assure me that half the vacancies during the next 12 months will be filled by ex-service men?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONOne-half of any vacancies which are due to be filled, certainly.