§ 32. Mr. TINKERasked the Postmaster-General whether he will make a statement as to the arrangements that will be made to meet the extra work at Christmas time; and how the additional hands required will be engaged?
§ Major TRYONThe extra work during the coming Christmas season will, as in past years, be provided for as far as possible by the engagement of temporary staff and for the rest by the employment of the regular staff on overtime. As regards the method of selecting the temporary staff, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to a question asked by the hon. Member for Stoke (Mr. E. Smith) on 19th November.
§ Mr. TINKERCould not the overtime be eliminated and extra hands taken on?
§ Major TRYONWe are doing all we can to keep it down. I think the staff realise that, and readily respond to the special needs of the situation.
§ Mr. LOGANWill the right hon. and gallant Gentleman see that, in regard to ex-service men, the stipulation that men over 45 will not be engaged, is rescinded?
§ Major TRYONI will certainly go into that matter. Preference is given to ex-service men, and there is no maximum age limit.
§ Mr. LOGANIs the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that in reply to me he said this condition was not in operation, but that in the City of Liverpool it is in operation; and will he see that it is rescinded?
§ Major TRYONI will certainly look into it.