§ MR. CRILLY (Mayo, N.)asked the Postmaster General, Whether it is the fact that since 1884 three examinations 785 have been held amongst the minor establishment of the General Post Office for clerkship vacancies in the chief offices of the Metropolitan sorting offices; if, under this arrangement, 17 officers of the minor establishment have been promoted to the major establishment, and if these gentlemen have not given every satisfaction in the positions to which they have attained, thus justifying the system which secured them their promotion; and whether, if these are the facts of the case, it is the intention of the Department to continue these examinations; and, if so, when will the next be held, more than 12 months having elapsed since the last one was held?
§ THE POSTMASTER GENERAL (Mr. RAIKES) (Cambridge University)The hon. Member alludes, no doubt, to the regulations prescribed for recruiting certain situations in the Sorting Office. The character of the work in these situations is such that experience in sorting and other duties is of advantage to those who fill the places. The intention is to continue the present method of recruiting the situations referred to; but it is of no use to have examinations when there are no vacancies.