asked the Postmaster-General what are the qualifications necessary and what steps are taken to check on the satisfactory character of a Post Office employee before he is appointed to the position of sub-postmaster.

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to my hon. and learned Friend the Member for North Aberdeen (Mr. Hector Hughes) on nth June.

Does my right hon. Friend realise that a recent case of Post Office fraud, which was reported in the Press at Southend, disclosed that a sub-postmaster had 12 previous convictions; and is he further aware that there is dissatisfaction among Post Office workers with the way in which a good many appointments are being made, and will he look into the matter with a view to removing that dissatisfaction?

I think there was a case of that kind, but the man in question had been convicted a good many years beforehand.

Is information regarding a man's record available to the Post Office?

Yes, Sir, up to a point.