HC Deb 01 June 1916 vol 82 cc2946-7W
Mr. WILES

asked the Postmaster-General whether a temporary counter clerk and telegraphist, who has been officially stated to be unable to undertake the work of an ordinary counter clerk and telegraphist, has been used to displace an officer employed on writing duties in the Northern District Office; whether the employment of this temporary hand was opposed by the local post office authorities; and whether he will see that the displaced officer shall return to the work upon which he was previously engaged, and that instructions may be given that temporary workers who are not capable of performing the work proper to their rank shall not be employed on more congenial duties to the disadvantage of the permanent staff?

Mr. JOSEPH PEASE

The temporary clerk to whom the hon. Member refers is a pensioned superintending officer. He is well acquainted with the writing duties in the Postmaster's Office; and as he can be employed to better advantage on that work than on ordinary counter and instrument duties, I do not propose to disturb the existing arrangements. I am not aware that his re-employment was opposed by the local post office authorities.