asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he is aware that auxiliary postmen, some of whom have served up to 40 years, are still regarded as temporary; and, if so, if he will prepare a scheme whereby unestablished officers of the Post Office, such as those who have given a certain minimum number of years of service, may be enabled some way to acquire establishment and pension rights.

Auxiliary postmen are part-time officers and as such do not come within the scope of the Superannuation Acts and are not entitled to pension on retirement. Gratuities may, however, be paid in necessitous cases out of a special fund at my disposal. I am aware that some of these officers have long service. Appointment to established posts is governed by the Civil Service Regulation Acts and the normal avenue of recruitment to established postmanships is from the boy messenger class which is filled by open competition. Appointments are also made periodically by means of limited competitions confined to temporary and part-time postmen. In the ordinary course we may anticipate that such a competition will be held next year.

When people arrive at the retiring age, is the Minister prepared to allow them to carry on, if they are capable of carrying on, when they are not entitled to a pension?

It all depends on the particular circumstances.