§ 22. Mr. Yatesasked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that vacancies for permanent postmen are being advertised in Birmingham; that the upper age limit stipulated is 39 unless the applicants are ex-Service men; and if he will consider removing such a barrier to employing suitable men over this age in the postal service.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsYes. In practice the great bulk of postman vacancies are filled by ex-Service men in whose favour the age limit is 45. The age limit for non-Service men was raised from 30 to 40 as recently as 1947 in order to make openings for older men. As more than 11 per cent. of the present postman grade are disabled and more than 70 per cent. over 40 years of age, I cannot extend the age limits until the labour force is properly balanced.