§ Mr. KENNEDYasked the Postmaster-General whether, until recently, disabled ex-soldiers were given preference to posts on the established staff and afterwards ex-service men, without distinction between those who joined for the duration of the War and those who were termed professional soldiers; whether these arrangements have been altered at the request of the War Office and the professional soldier is being given preference over those who fought in the Great War only; and, if so, the reasons for this discrimination?
§ Mr. PEASEThere has been no recent change of practice. All vacancies for postmen available for ex-service candi- 1565W dates are given to disabled men whenever possible. But among both disabled and able-bodied men preference is given to the long-service professional soldiers. I feel bound to give this preference, in view of the long-standing arrangement under which a proportion of postmen's vacancies has been reserved for professional soldiers. The prospect of obtaining an appointment in the Post Office was one of the advantages offered on enlistment.