MR. DOYLEasked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that the temporary sorting clerks in the general post office, Newcastle-on-Tyne, are being dismissed without compensation or recognition of any kind; whether the greater number have been on duty for the greater part of the War period; and whether, in view of the important work performed by them, something can be done to ease their position?
§ Mr. PEASEI am aware of the position; but I much regret that I see no alternative but to terminate the services of the temporary war substitutes in order to make room for members of the regular Post Office staff returning from the Army and for other ex-soldiers who have been disabled in the War.
§ Mr. GWYNNEasked the Postmaster-General whether men employed at the 1182W Post Office as temporary postmen are now being discharged to make room for those men who were in the Post Office prior to joining the Army and have now been demobilised; and whether he will give instructions that, so long as any temporary postmen are employed, preference will be given to those who are ex-Service men?
§ Mr. PEASEAs members of the regular staff of the Post Office return from the Army, I regret that there is no alternative but to discharge the temporary war substitutes. A preference for retention is given to such of these substitutes as are ex-Service men, and I hope that a considerable proportion will be absorbed into the permanent establishment.