asked the Postmaster-General how many temporary postmen and postwomen were dismissed or resigned between July, 1946, and April, 1947; and to what extent they were replaced by ex-Service men recruited on an established basis.

I am afraid that the information asked for is not available centrally and it could not be collected without disproportionate work.

Can the Postmaster-General give a general indication of the position, if he has not the specific figures? Is the recruitment of ex-Service men now being discontinued for establishment?

No. I will see whether I can do anything to give an indication in the matter, and if I can, I will.

Can the Minister give an assurance that these dismissals are gone into very carefully, because I had a case of a dismissal, and, after I had written to the Minister, it was countermanded?

These cases are gone into very carefully, and I think that what the hon. and gallant Member has said indicates that to some extent.