HC Deb 29 October 1947 vol 443 cc843-4
9. Mr. J. S. C. Reid

asked 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 Paling

Of 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. Reid

In 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. Paling

This 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 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. Reid

What about the other half?

Mr. Paling

There are more of these people waiting now than there are jobs to fill.

Mr. Reid

In 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.