HC Deb 06 August 1947 vol 441 cc1451-2
36. Mr. J. S. C. Reid

asked the Postmaster-General how many persons without previous post-office experience have been engaged for work in Glasgow during this year; and how many of these are wholly or partly engaged on work of a type formerly performed by temporary postmen who have been dismissed.

Mr. Wilfred Paling

The answer to the first part of the Question is 330 men on the postal side, of whom 40 subsequently resigned; and, to the second part, all the remaining 290.

Mr. Reid

Does that not show that the last answer given by the Minister, namely, that these dismissed postmen were redundant, was wrong, and that the Minister's first answer on 2nd July was right, that they were dismissed in order to drive them into other employment? As the men are now unemployed, will the Minister reconsider the whole matter?

Mr. Paling

That is not so. The right hon. and learned Gentleman has got it wrong. This recruitment applies from 1st January, and the redundancy did not arise until 1st May.

Mr. Reid

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many of these men or women have been engaged since the beginning of May?

Mr. Paling

I think the answer is round about 30.

Mr. Reid

To that extent is not my complaint justified?

Mr. Paling

These men have been set on as postmen according to the rules and regulations, and one of those rules and regulations laid down by this House is that 50 per cent. of the people set on must come from ex-Servicemen.

Mr. Reid

In view of the unsatisfactory and confused nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter again on the first possible occasion.

39. Mr. J. S. C. Reid

asked the Postmaster-General how many hours overtime have been worked by Post Office servants in Glasgow during June and July.

Mr. Wilfred Paling

As the answer contains a number of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer: GLASGOW POST OFFICE.—Number of hours overtime worked during June and July, 1947. (The statement covers only the main postal and telegraph grades.)
Grade. Number on Grade. Total Hours of Overtime Average Hours of Overtime per head per week.
Postal and Telegraph Officers. 613 1,991 0.4
Postmen, Higher Grade. 572 15,896 3.2
Postmen 2,211 51,340 2.7
Telegraphists 326 640 0.2