§ Mr. Dudley Smithasked the Postmaster-General by what total of men the Post Office letter delivery service is short in the London and Greater London areas; and what steps he is taking to remedy this situation.
§ Mr. Joseph SlaterWe are about 1,300 short in the London Postal Area and about 1,600 in the Greater London area. We are doing everything we can to recruit more staff, including postwomen and part-timers.
§ Mr. Dudley Smithasked the Postmaster-General how many postmen have been recruited to the Post Office service in London and Greater London in the first six months of 1965; and how this compares with the last six months of 1964.
§ Mr. Joseph Slater2,080. This is 449 less than the last six months of 1964.
§ Mr. Dudley Smithasked the Postmaster-General what further consideration he has given to the employment of part-time postmen in an effort to solve the staff crisis in the London and Greater London area; and if he will seek union co-operation in this matter.
§ Mr. BennFollowing discussions with the Union of Post Office Workers instructions have been issued about the recruitment of part-time staff and of full-time postwomen. These are now being acted upon.