§ 8. Mr. J. S. C. Reidasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that a number of temporary sorting clerks in Glasgow, aged over 55 years are being, or have recently been, dismissed; that they are being replaced by younger men; and what steps have been- taken to ascertain whether other work is available for the dismissed men.
§ Mr. HobsonYes, Sir. Sixteen temporary men at Glasgow between 64 and 69 years of age, employed on indoor postal duties proper to be filled by the promotion of permanent postmen, are now being displaced by qualified postmen in accordance with an agreement reached in 1946 with the Union of Post Office Workers. I regret that no further suitable employment is available for the men in the Post Office, but the local Employment Exchange has been advised of the position.
§ Mr. ReidHow does it come about that the Government lend themselves to an agreement under which men who are perfectly fit but cannot take on other productive jobs are to be replaced by men 2100 who, otherwise, would be available for production?
§ Mr. HobsonThe position is that, even if they were regular postmen, which they are not, they would retire at 60, though they are, in certain cases, kept on until 62. In regard to the position in Glasgow, we have Regular ex-Service men waiting for jobs in the postal service.
§ Commander GalbraithCan the Minister say how long men have been employed temporarily?
§ Mr. HobsonMy information is, seven years.
§ Mr. ReidI am told that a number of them run from eight to 20 years, and that they are veterans of the First World War. Is that so?
§ Mr. HobsonI have no knowledge of that.