§ Mr. W. GRAHAMasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that three ex-service men, E. V. Inkster, James Pettigrew, and J. M. Dyce, all of 1054W whom have considerable records of service with the Forces prior to and during the recent War, are at present engaged as temporary men in the Edinburgh telegraph office; that they have now received notice that their services will be dispensed with on 21st instant; that the Controller has indicated they will probably be employed at the beginning of the seasonal traffic; that this will mean a break in their service, and as all of them are over 25 years of age will prejudice their claim to a permanent appointment in the Post Office; and whether, in view of the fact that the Government have agreed to reserve a proportion of all vacancies for ex-service men, these men can now be retained?
§ Mr. ILLINGWORTHThe men referred to are being discharged because there is how no work for them. They will be offered further employment as soon as work is available and the break in their service will not disqualify them for permanent posts if such posts become available. Every suitable vacancy in the Post Office is being given to ex-service men.