§ MR. P. M'DONALD (Sligo, N.)asked the Postmaster General, Whether it is a fact that at the Central Telegraph Station 12 clerks of 16 years' service and upwards, who have not been passed over for promotion, have been waiting at the top of the first class for 16 months, whereas others of the same rank were promoted after waiting six months; whether the great services rendered by the first class clerks generally were lately acknowledged by him in replying to a Petition presented by them; and, whether he will state definitely if there is any prospect of the 12 clerics above mentioned receiving promotion within the next six months?
§ THE POSTMASTER GENERAL (Mr. RAIKES) (Cambridge University)The fact is as stated in the first clause of the Question. As promotions depend to a certain extent on the occurrence of vacancies in higher classes, it is impossible to insure their being made at regular periods, whatever may be the qualifications of those at the top of any class. At the present time there are no vacancies in the class above the first class; and I am not prepared to say that there will be any promotions to that class within the next six months. I had much pleasure recently, in replying to a Petition, to approve of the good conduct which generally characterized the officers of the Central Telegraph Office, and of the improvement in the efficiency of the officers, not only there, but at many other offices throughout the United Kingdom.