HC Deb 23 November 1967 vol 754 cc1471-2
30. Mr. Eadie

asked the Postmaster-General what was the intake of junior apprentices in the postal service in Scotland for the years 1966 and the nearest available date in 1967; and what is the anticipated intake in 1968.

Mr. Joseph Slater

I understand my hon. Friend is referring to recruits under 18 years of age. The figures are:

Postal and Telegraph Officers-30 in 1966 and 32 so far in 1967.

Postmen—128 and 70.

Typists—8 and 5.

Clerical staff—20 and 40.

The totals are 186 and 147. The intake in 1968 is expected to be much the same.

Mr. Eadie

I thank my hon. Friend for his Answer, but would not he agree that consideration should be given to carrying out the policy of reorganisation within the service, which would mean recruiting more young people to the postal service?

Mr. Slater

I agree. We are ready—and we have taken a stand on this—to recruit school leavers as and when suitable vacancies arise. Wherever we can do that, it will be done.