POSTMEN (Resignations)

Mr P. Govindaswamy asked the Minister for Communications how many postmen and assistant postmen resigned the service during the period January to November 1970, and the reasons for such resignations.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Communications (Mr Phua Bah Lee) (for the Minister for Communications): Sir, I have been asked by my Minister to answer.

A total of 17 postmen and three assistant postmen resigned the service during the 11-month period under reference. Most of them had less than a year's service and left for alternative employment elsewhere.

Recruitment action to fill the vacancies is in progress.

Mr P. Govindaswamy: Can the Parliamentary Secretary say how many vacancies there are for postmen and assistant postmen at present?

Mr Phua Bah Lee: At the moment there are 17 vacancies for postmen.

Mr P. Govindaswamy: Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that some of these postmen are making only one delivery a day instead of two deIiveries?

Mr Phua Bah Lee: It is not true, Sir. From the General Post Office, there are three deliveries a day. From sub post offices, there are normally two deliveries, a day.

Mr P. Govindaswamy: I was told the postmen are working more than eight hours a day without a meal break. Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware of that?

Mr Phua Bah Lee: Sir, that is not true.