§ Mr. GROVESasked the Postmaster-General whether he will inquire into the circumstances attending the termination of the services of Mr. William O. Benbow, of 46, Odessa Road, Forest Gate; whether he is aware that this man is refused re-employment on the grounds that he did not serve with the Colours, notwithstanding the fact that he enlisted in December, 1915, and was not called to the regiment because he was medically rejected; and whether, therefore, the man's present application for reinstatement can be entertained?
§ Mr. HARTSHORNMr. Benbow was employed in a purely temporary capacity during the War, in substitution for members of the regular Post Office staff serving with the forces, and with the return to more normal conditions after the War it was no longer possible to continue his employment. I regret that it is not possible to regard as ex-service men candidates who did not actually serve with the forces, and, in view of the preference given to ex-service men, I am afraid that I can hold out no prospect of further Post Office employment being available for Mr. Benbow. He is, moreover, ineligible by age for appointment.