§ SIR THOMAS ESMONDE (Dublin Co., S.)asked the Postmaster General, If Miss B. Duffy, now employed as a 888 telegraphist at Patrick's Well, who was promised a transfer in 1883 to Dublin, will soon be promoted?
§ THE POSTMASTER GENERAL (Mr. RAIKES) (Cambridge University)Sir, I have to thank the hon. Member for his courteous postponement of the Question. I now have to say that the Miss Duffy to whom he refers is not on the establishment of the Post Office. She was allowed some time ago to become an applicant for a transfer; but there was no promise of a permanent establishment appointment in Dublin made to her. In 1882 the late Postmaster General, in reply to an application on her behalf, said that he would put her name down on the list, but informed her at the time that there were many other applicants who had prior claims. I may, perhaps, be allowed to appeal to hon. and gallant Gentlemen who have the interest of their fair constituents and country-women at heart not to press their claims by Questions in this House, because if the qualifications of those applicants are to be discussed here, the answering of the Questions will be almost as embarrassing as the Judgment of Paris.