§ 67. Major MALONEasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that an auxiliary postman named Fenn, residing at Tottenham, who served for 40 years and was never late for duty, has been discharged from the service without pension or gratuity; and if he will consider the special claim of this man for some allowance in his old age?
§ The ASSISTANT POSTMASTER -GENERAL (Viscount Wolmer)The auxiliary postman referred to was a part-time employé and the Superannuation Acts make no provision for the award of !either pension or gratuity to persons who 1372 are not required to devote their whole time to the service. I regret, therefore, that I have no power to make an award in this case.
§ Major MALONEWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman try and alter the rules in order to provide against such cases, because this is the ease of a man who for over 40 years was never late for duty and surely he is entitled to some special recognition?
§ Viscount WOLMERHowever much sympathy the Postmaster-General may have for this particular case, he is bound by the Superannuation Act in this matter.
§ Major MALONEDoes the Assistant Postmaster-General not think that this House ought to be able to pass an opinion upon this matter? With a view to removing this scandal—for it is a scandal—I beg to give notice that I shall ask permission to move the Adjournment of the House.
§ Mr. W. BAKERIn view of the serious situation which exists, not only in this but many other similar cases, will the Noble Lord ask the Postmaster-General to look into the whole question and see whether satisfactory auxiliary postmen cannot he found an opening in permanent positions?
§ Viscount WOLMERAs the hon. Member knows, that matter has been receiving very careful attention, but there are very great difficulties involved.