30. Sir F. HALLasked the Postmaster-General whether there is a minimum height limit required in regard to persons 799 seeking employment as postmen; if so, will he state what is this minimum; and whether it is insisted upon in the case of applicants who have served in the fighting Forces of the Crown?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONFor appointment as postman there is a minimum height limit of 5 feet 4 inches. This limit applies to all applicants.
Sir F. HALLIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that many of these men who were just under 5 feet 4 inches were able to serve in the War and carry out their duties, and can he not give a little more elasticity to the Regulations applying to ex-service men?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONI have already explained that this question is due to practical difficulties in connection with the height of the fittings in the office. In view of the fact that 50 per cent. of the vacancies are reserved for ex-service men and the other for boy messengers, there is an ample supply of ex-service men of suitable height.
§ Sir HARRY BRITTAINWhy should there be any height limit at all so long as the men are strong enough?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONThey have to reach to the top of the fitting.