§ MR. T. M. HEALY (Longford, N.)asked the Postmaster General, Why the Rule of the Service was not carried out in the recent promotions in the Sorting Office, Dublin, when a second class sorter was promoted to the first class over 28 seniors, some of whom are at the maximum of their class for years?
§ THE POSTMASTER GENERAL (Mr. RAIKES) (Cambridge University)The Question implies that on the occasion to which the hon. and learned Gentleman refers the Rule of the Service was departed from; but such was not the case. I think the House will agree that I am always extremely reluctant to supersede seniors by their juniors in cases of promotion unless there is good reason for so doing. I was assured, on this occasion, that not one of the second class officers senior to the one promoted was fully qualified to perform the different duties which had to be provided for.
§ MR. T. M. HEALYThe expression "was not fully qualified" has, doubtless, reference to the suitability of such persons; but do I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say that out of the large number of persons of the same rank not one of those persons was so qualified?
§ MR. RAIKESThat was declared to be the ease.
§ MR. T. M. HEALYHow was the qualification to be tested?
§ MR. RAIKESThe superior officers have always to make a Report to the Postmaster General with a view to these promotions; and, of course, in so large a Service it is impossible for the Postmaster General to be personally acquainted with the particular qualification of every clerk. He must be guided in a great measure, almost entirely, by the advice of those who are responsible to Mm. But I am always ready to investigate any of these Questions if there appears to be reason to do so.