§ Mr. SITCHasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the lists of demobilisers supplied to the War Office by his Department contain a majority of young men; whether he is aware that as the result of the action of the Post Office hundreds of telegraphists who enlisted in 1914, and who are the pick of the telegraph service, are being retained compulsorily, whilst men who were called up as late as May, 1918, have been released; whether any real distinction can be drawn between competent telegraphists; and whether he will consider the cancellation of his lists with a view to allaying the present unrest?
§ Mr. PEASEThe men included in the "demobiliser" Schedules were selected primarily according to the needs of particular offices and districts, but where a choice between individual men was possible seniority and marital state were made the determining factors. The Schedules are being revised in consultation with the military authorities in France, and the desirability of securing the return of the older men will be borne in mind.