§ 1. Mr. Skinnardasked the Assistant Postmaster-General whether, after the revision of duties due to take place on 15th January, 1947, it is intended to continue the employment of temporary full-time sorters who have been employed at the G.P.O. at Mount Pleasant since the beginning of the war.
§ The Assistant Postmaster-General (Mr. Burke)The temporary full-time sorters will become redundant when the work performed by them is taken over by permanent established staff early next year; and they will then be discharged in accordance with general arrangements agreed with the staff representatives for the discharge of redundant temporary staff. Temporary sorters who are ex-Servicemen and otherwise eligible for permanent employment as postmen may register for such employment with the appropriate authority and will be considered in their turn with other ex-Servicemen under normal recruitment procedure.
§ Mr. SkinnardIn view of the fact that most of the men concerned are elderly and many of them are veterans from the first world war and are therefore unlikely easily to find new employment, will the Minister facilitate re-engagement in another capacity in as many cases as possible?
§ Mr. BurkeIf they are ex-Servicemen and come within the age limits, they will be given their chance of re-engagement.
§ Mr. Ronald ChamberlainWill the hon. Gentleman consider cushioning their fall by not doing this thing so suddenly, in view of the difficult circumstances in which many of my constituents will be placed?