asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will give preference for employment on Christmas postal work to recipients of unem-selected from persons who register for ployment assistance.

Candidates for employment on Christmas postal work are such work at the employment exchanges. Subject to physical and educational suitability, preference is given to recipients of unemployment benefit or assistance.

Is the Minister aware that last year a number of men who were in receipt of unemployment assistance for a prolonged period and who were accustomed to get this Christmas work, were excluded from this employment?

As stated in the reply, subject to suitability, first preference is given to men registered at the labour exchange. A certain number of boys or students who are signed at the labour exchange are also recruited as they are suitable to the particular type of work.