HC Deb 11 July 1882 vol 272 cc24-5
SIR JOHN KENNAWAY

asked the Postmaster General, Whether any disqualification exists to prevent sub-postmasters applying for vacancies in the Post Office, where the salary is over £120 a year, and the vacancy is advertised in the Post Office Circular?

MR. FAWCETT

Sir, in reply to my hon. Friend, I have to state that sub-postmasters are eligible for appointment to all postmaster ships in the gift of the Postmaster General. The reason why sub-postmasters are not more frequently appointed is that, whenever a postmaster-ship is vacant, there are always a great number of eligible candidates who devote their whole time to the service, and it is considered that they have a prior claim.

SIR JOHN KENNAWAY

asked if he was to understand that there was no ob- jection to sub-postmasters making application for such vacancies?

MR. FAWCETT

said, they were invited to do so: The vacancy was advertised in the Post Office Circular, and sub-postmasters had a perfect right to make application, and they frequently did so.