§ 32. Mr. MORGAN JONES forasked the Post master-General the total number of men who have been discharged from the engineering department of the Post Office in Scotland, England, and Wales, respectively, since September, 1931, and the number that have been discharged from the Scotland West district during the same period; what proportion of the total number are ex-service men and the proportion of ex-service men from the West Scotland district; whether the discharges are permanent or temporary; and the number of foremen in each case who have been discharged?
§ Sir K. WOODDuring the period 1st October, 1931, to 31st March, 1932, 820 men in England and Wales and 44 men in Scotland were discharged from the engineering department. No men were discharged in the Scotland West District. Information is not readily available as to how many of the men were ex-service men or whether any foremen have been discharged. The discharges are permanent, though it may be possible to re engage some of the men in the future.
§ Mr. JONESCan the right hon. Gentle man give any reason for the discharge of such an abnormal number of men from this Department in so short a time?
§ Sir K. WOODYes; I shall be glad to communicate the reasons to the hon. Gentleman.