§ 34. Mr. William Shepherdasked the Assistant Postmaster-General the policy of his Department in regard to the retention of women in those sections of the Department which previously operated with male staff.
§ The Assistant Postmaster-General (Mr. Burke)The general policy is to restore prewar practice, except where different arrangements are made by agreement with the staff associations concerned. This policy is in accord with assurances given during the war to the staff associations. With the return of Post Office men from the Forces, and the increased recruitment of men, considerable progress has been made in implementing this policy. It has been found possible to release large 563 numbers of women whose war work was completed; for example, the number of women doing postman's work has fallen during the last twelve months from 18,000 to 8,000. I may add that women who are eligible for establishment and desire to stay in the Post Office will be considered for appointment as telegraphist or telephonist.
§ Mr. ShepherdCan the Minister tell the House how many ex-Servicemen are waiting for jobs in his Department?
§ Mr. BurkeI could not tell the hon. Member offhand, but the Post Office has a very good record in appointing ex-Servicemen.