HC Deb 29 January 1947 vol 432 cc922-3
21. Major Bramall

asked 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. Burke

In 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 Bramall

Will 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. Burke

Yes, Sir. We are fully sympathetic, but the fact is that we cannot find accommodation for the work.

Mr. Gammans

Does that answer mean that these wretched people who have been away from home for seven years have no idea when they are coming back?

Mr. Burke

I do not think they are wretched people.

Sir Wavell Wakefield

Will 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?

Mr. Burke

It is not a question of finding homes, but of finding accommodation for the work.

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