§ 11. Brigadier-General MAKINSasked the Postmaster-General at what date the maximum age limit for appointment as postmen applicable in the case of able-bodied men who served during the War was fixed at 40; and whether, in view of the fact that this limitation prevents the appointment of any ex-service man who was over the age of 23 years at the end of the War, he will now consider increasing the age limit so as not to debar a large number of ex-service men from obtaining such work?
§ The ASSISTANT POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Sir Walter Womersley)The normal maximum age limit for appointment as postman is 30, but this was extended in 1920 to 40 to meet the case of able-bodied men who served during the War. An age extension up to 45 is allowed to pensioners, both disability and long service. These extensions already make the average age of entry to the postmen's class at least as high as is desirable in the interests of efficiency, and I do not consider any further extension to be desirable.
§ Brigadier-General MAKINSMay I rest assured that ex-service men always have preference over others in the Post Office?
§ Sir W. WOMERSLEYSince 1920 some 30,000 ex-service men have been given appointments in the Post Office, and when there are any temporary appointments to be made ex-service men always get the preference.
§ Mr. GEORGE GRIFFITHSWill the Government now see the great necessity for bringing in pensions for all over 40 years of age?
§ Mr. HERBERT G. WILLIAMSAnd raising the school-leaving age to 45?