§ MR. SEXTON (Belfast, W.)I beg to ask the Postmaster General if he will explain why the revision of the Cork telegraphic staff, which has been under consideration since 1889, and under which an increase in the clerical force of nine first-class and three second-class telegraphists was recommended, has not yet been carried out, although it received official sanction as far back as 20th July, 1891; whether the names of the second-class officers selected for promotion to the nine first-class vacancies created under the revision of 20th July, 1891, were submitted for approval many months ago, and no intimation regarding these promotions has been given, although repeated applications regarding them have been made; whether it is intended to keep these officers, who have an average service of 15 years each, in the second class for an indefinite period, although they are actually performing the duties of first-class telegraphists; whether direction will be given that the revision, dated 20th July, 1891, will be put into immediate operation; and whether, in the latter case, the promotion of the officers concerned will be ante-dated to the 20th July, 1891, the date on and from which the revision was sanctioned?
§ SIR J. FERGUSSONThe promotions were approved more than three weeks ago (namely, on 4th March) and they date from the 20th of July of last year.