To ask the Postmaster-General whether he will explain why an order has been issued prohibiting postmen from signing the identification papers of Post Office pensioners, in view of the fact that in some cases hardship has been caused to the pensioners.

The power to attest declarations by pensioners is limited by Treasury regulations, as regards the Post Office, to certain officers authorised to make payments, among whom postmen are not included. But I am communicating with the Treasury to see whether the authority should not be extended to postmen.