§ 69. Mr. LOWTHasked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that men employed in the telephone department of the Government in the Manchester district have received preliminary notice to leave the service; and why, in view of the declaration of the Prime Minister, this has been done?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONThe hon. Member presumably refers to a number of workmen in the Post Office engineering department who have been given notice on account of the completion of work. I am sorry that this step should be necessary but I am afraid that I should not be justified in retaining at the expense of the taxpayer the services of men for whom no work is Available. Any men discharged will be considered for employment as opportunities occur.