HC Deb 24 February 1888 vol 322 cc1379-80
MR. GENT-DAVIS (Lambeth, Kennington)

asked the Secretary to the Treasury, Whether it is the fact that a communication from the Civil Service Commissioners has been sent to three writers—namely, Mr. Brattle at the War Office, Mr. T. Knighton at the Custom House, and Mr. Franklin at the Admiralty—informing them that— Further proceedings in connection with their promotion have boon suspended for the present; and, whether he will state what essential difference exists between the position of these gentlemen, under the provisions of the Treasury Minute of December, 1886, and that of M. A. J. Rothon, notice of whose promotion to the Lower Division was given in The Civilian newspaper of the 18th instant?

THE SECRETARY (Mr. JACKSON) (Leeds, N.)

The four copyists named in the Question were recommended for appointment to the Lower Division, in the belief that they had passed the age at which they could compete in ordinary course. It was subsequently ascertained that this belief was erroneous, and that these copyists are still of age to compete; the appointments were therefore cancelled. In one case, however—that of Mr. Rothon—the appointment had been completed before the error as to his age was discovered; and the Treasury have that case under consideration.