§ 21. Major Bramallasked the Assistant Postmaster-General what plans are contemplated for the return, in the near future, of Savings Department staff who have been evacuated to Harrogate since the beginning of the war.
§ Mr. BurkeIn view of the lack of accommodation in London, I am sorry that I am unable to say when it will be possible to return any substantial portion of the Savings Department staff from Harrogate. Under a scheme agreed with the staff representatives, the Post Office is, however, arranging for the return each month to London of a few of the permanent staff evacuated to Harrogate, and this will give some relief to those evacuated longest.
§ Major BramallWill my hon. Friend bear in mind that there is very great distress among many of these people, who have been absent from their homes for about seven years?
§ Mr. BurkeYes, Sir. We are fully sympathetic, but the fact is that we cannot find accommodation for the work.
§ Mr. GammansDoes that answer mean that these wretched people who have been away from home for seven years have no idea when they are coming back?
§ Sir Wavell WakefieldWill the hon. Gentleman say if people with homes waiting for them in London are to be allowed to return and carry out their duties here in London?