§ 8. Mr. Granville Sharpasked the Assistant Postmaster-General what increase has been made in the staff of his Department during the last 12 months; what is the present size of the staff and the approximate number of part-time workers; and, in view of the limited resources of 1214 manpower, what action is being taken to offer full-time employment to part-time workers over the age of 45 years rather than recruit additional staff.
§ Mr. BurkeThe increase of Post Office staff during the twelve months ended 31st December, 1946, was 28,036. The total number of Post Office staff on 1st January, 1947, the latest figure available, was 350,901, which included 52,264 part-time staff. All these figures include industrial as well as non-industrial staff. Part-time employees on some manipulative grades have opportunities of advancement to full-time posts under certain conditions even though they may be over 45. If the hon. Member has a particular grade in mind and will communicate with me, I will look into the matter.
§ Squadron-Leader FlemingWhat is the age limit for employment by the Post Office of disabled ex-Servicemen in the Manchester area?
§ Mr. BurkeIt is the same in the Manchester area as in other areas. Special provision is made for regular ex-Servicemen and there are also special conditions for ex-Servicemen who have been disabled up to 45 or 50 years of age in certain cases.
§ Squadron-Leader FlemingAm I to take it then that there is no age limit but that this has been imposed by someone without authority in Manchester?