Colonel BURNasked the Postmaster-General whether telegraph messengers employed in the Post Office who were serving as such on enlistment in the Army 2059W under the Military Service Act, 1916, and who, during their absence on service, were subsequently appointed to established appointments, were allowed to count the time towards pension from the date of such appointment?
§ Mr. ILLINGWORTHI assume that the hon. and gallant Member refers to boy messengers for whom established appointments as postmen have been reserved during their absence with the forces. In such cases service for purposes of pension is reckoned from the date on which the officer would normally have been placed on the establishment had he not enlisted, provided that on demobilisation he returns to the Post Office service and takes up the duties proper to his established appointment.