§ Mr. TOUCHEasked the Postmaster-General whether he will inquire into the 1974W cause of dismissal of Frederick Mayo and Ernest Newman, recently employed as doorkeepers at the Gerrard Telephone Exchange; and whether, in view of the fact that they both hold first-class certificates of character after 25 years' service in the Metropolitan police force, he can secure for them other employment in the Post Office or in any event modify the action taken by his department, so that it will not act detrimentally to their obtaining other employment?
§ Captain NORTONFrederick Mayo and Ernest Newman were dismissed because they refused to perform certain light cleaning duties considered proper to their class, and persisted in this refusal, although they were aware that dismissal might be the consequence. I regret that I cannot sanction the re-employment of either of these men; but in view of their long service in the police force, I should have no objection to the case being recorded as one of resignation.
§ Mr. HARRY LAWSONasked the Postmaster-General whether the grade of doorkeepers at the various telephone exchanges has been abolished; if so, what has been given by way of compensation, and will he say what is the position of those doorkeepers who have been placed on cleaning work; whether this transfer is contrary to their terms of engagement; and if, as a consequence, there has been a rise in the number of petty thefts from the staff?
§ Captain NORTONThe grade of doorkeepers in telephone exchanges has not been abolished. Doorkeepers are liable to perform light cleaning work, and are so informed when they are engaged. I am not aware of any rise in the number of petty thefts from the staff.