§ 77. Mr. MARCHasked the Postmaster-General whether, in the displacement of horse mail-drivers, he is proposing to find other employment for them or allowing some compensation for loss of position or superannuation for services rendered?
§ The ASSISTANT POSTMASTER-GENERAL(Viscount Wolmer)The drivers to whom the hon. Member refers are the employes of contractors, and I have no power to pay them compensation for unemployment or superannuation from Post Office funds. I regret that, as there are no horse mail-drivers directly employed by the Post Office, I am unable to find them employment.
§ Mr. MARCHIs it not a fact that the Post Office takes sole charge and control, and the regulation and dictation of these men immediately they leave the contractor's yard until they return to the contractor's yard, and, therefore, they become morally responsible for these men?
§ Viscount WOLMERThese men are employed by the contractor, and the contract with the contractor is now terminated.
§ Mr. PALINWould it not be possible, having regard to the moral obligation of the Postmaster-General, having employed them for so many years, to give these men an opportunity of training for posts?
§ Viscount WOLMERThere is no post for mail drivers for which they can qualify. If they could be employed in other Post Office work, I am sure their claims would be considered sympathetically.
§ Viscount WOLMERI shall be glad to look into the matter from that point of view.