asked the Postmaster-General why certain Post Office pensioners in Scotland who have returned to service for the present emergency, in addition to surrendering temporarily their pension, should be deprived of the 5s. 6d. per week increase payable to their grade under the decision of October, 1938; and will he take steps to see that such pensioners are placed on wages conditions not less favourable than the best for their grade?

The conditions of service for Post Office pensioners in Scotland who accept re-employment during the present emergency are those laid down by the Treasury for re-employed Civil Service pensioners generally. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of a reply on the same subject given on the 9th October by my right hon. and gallant Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury to the right hon. Member for East Edinburgh (Mr. Pethick-Lawrence).

Is the Postmaster-General aware that these men feel that if they are already doing full-time work with what is equivalent to half wages it is an additional hardship if men working alongside are paid the 5s. 6d. increment which is not given to these older servants of the community?

That is a matter for the Treasury, as it affects the whole Civil Service.