HC Deb 06 December 1939 vol 355 c668W
Mr. Leach

asked the Postmaster-General how many auxiliary postmen and other postal employés have been dismissed since the war began; and what national purpose has been served by this action?

Major Tryon

A certain number of part-time postmen whose services could not otherwise be utilised may have been discharged owing to local alterations in services due to war-time conditions, but it would be impossible, without an inquiry covering the whole country, to state the number. Thousands of temporary employÉs have been engaged to cover the absence of postmen in the Armed Forces, and part-time officers are always given the first chance of temporary employment on full-time duties.