§ 39. Lieut.-Commander Gurney Braithwaiteasked the Postmaster-General whether the public relations officer to his Department is an established civil servant; and what age-limit attaches to the appointment.
§ Mr. Wilfred PalingThe present public relations officer to the Post Office is not an established civil servant. In accordance with the general practice in the Civil Service about unestablished officers, no age limit attaches to the appointment.
§ Lieut.-Commander BraithwaiteBut as an established civil servant, aged 62, was removed to make room for this Socialist ex-Minister, who is now nearly 68, and who has had his salary increased from £1,350 to £1,700, can the Minister say how much longer this particular example of patronage is going to continue?
§ Mr. PalingI do not think there is any question of patronage whatever This man was put in because he was able to do the job, and he is still doing the job very well indeed.
§ Colonel Gomme-DuncanHas not the Post Office enough publicity about its poor services all over the country without having a public relations officer?
§ Mr. PalingWe get a lot of publicity about the good services of the Post Office.
§ Lieut.-Commander BraithwaiteIn order that the House and the country may be better informed of the particulars of this appointment, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible moment.