§ 9. Mr. J. S. C. Reidasked the Postmaster-General how many persons have been engaged by his Department since 1st July for duty in Glasgow; how many of them are performing postmen's duties; how many of them are men under 30 years of age; and whether any dismissed temporary postmen have been re-engaged.
§ Mr. Wilfred PalingOf the number of persons employed on the postal side at Glasgow on 25th October, 134 (118 full-time and 16 part-time) have been recruited since 1st July, and all are employed on postmen's duties. Forty-eight are men under 30 years of age. None of the discharged temporary postmen, who are all ineligible for established appointments, has been re-engaged.
§ Mr. ReidIn view of the fact that the right hon. Gentleman dismissed the temporary postmen in order to provide men for industry, and that half the temporary postmen are still unemployed after four months, will not he re-engage them?
§ Mr. PalingThis is made rather difficult by virtue of the fact that I am compelled to select at least 50 per cent. of the new people from ex-Service men, particularly those who have been Regulars. That is part of my trouble about this 844 business. I do not like dismissing these people, but most of them never had any opportunity of becoming established, and many of these other people are waiting for jobs.
§ Mr. PalingThere are more of these people waiting now than there are jobs to fill.
§ Mr. ReidIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of this and previous replies on this subject I beg to give notice that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment.