§ Mr. T. A. LEWISasked the Postmaster-General what are the temporary circumstances which make it necessary to maintain a temporary staff of 30,623 at the Post Office: what is the annual cost of this staff; and when is it anticipated that the need for their services will cease?
§ Mr. ILLINGWORTHThe majority of the temporary staff of the Post Office are employed against vacancies on the permanent establishment and many of them are under nomination for permanent appointments. The cost is approximately £3,400,000 a year; but this is largely counterbalanced by the savings on unfilled permanent posts. The temporary force is being replaced by permanent staff as rapidly as possible.