Major NEWMANasked the Postmaster-General whether, in all appointments that have to be made by the Irish postal authorities, care is taken that wherever possible preference is given to ex-soldiers and ex-sailors of good character; whether he is aware that in the town of Kilkenny complaints are made that no such preference to men who have served in the forces has been shown and that, further, young civilians, when employed, are given uniform while ex-soldiers have to perform their work in plain clothes; and will he make inquiries as to the numbers of civilians and ex-soldiers and ex-sailors who have been taken into the employment of the post office at Kilkenny since the outbreak of war and also the weekly wage received by such civilians and soldiers?
§ Mr. PEASEIn engaging fresh staff preference is given by the Irish postal authorities to ex-soldiers and sailors, and that course has been followed at Kilkenny. Five temporary postmen are at present employed at Kilkenny, of whom four are ex-soldiers or ex-sailors and one a civilian medically unfit for military service. In several instances civilians have been displaced to make room for ex-soldiers at Kilkenny.