§ MR. T. M. HEALY (Louth, N.)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, 342 with reference to the recent appointment of a junior clerk in the office of the local telegraph engineer in Belfast, will he state the circumstances under which the vacancy arose, the number of candidates, the course adopted in making the selection, and with whom did this power and that of bestowing the appointment rest; whether he is aware that subsequent to making an appointment to a similar vacancy about two years ago it was then laid down that in future applicants for such vacancies should be provided with a certificate in practical telegraphy, have a knowledge of shorthand, and possess an acquaintance with drawing; are these conditions in force in other offices where similar vacancies arise; if not, why have they been made conditional in Belfast, and was an examination in these subjects held under the supervision of the local telegraph engineer in Belfast; and, if so, by whose authority; whether the person appointed had his request to be enrolled as an applicant for a junior vacancy refused some time previously; and whether, since the Belfast branch of the engineering department was established many years ago, no Roman Catholic has ever been appointed on its clerical staff?
§ MR. HANBURYThe Question appears to refer to the promotion of Mr. J. H. Shaw, sorting clerk and telegraphist, Belfast, to be a junior clerk in the engineering department on the 1st March last. The vacancy was caused by the promotion of Mr. T. Patterson to the class of sub-engineers. There were 10 or 12 local candidates, only five of whom possessed the necessary qualifications. The qualifications of these five were carefully considered by the engineer-in-chief, and on his recommendation the Postmaster General promoted Mr. Shaw. It has been laid down that proficiency in technical knowledge of telegraphy, in shorthand, and in drawing is expected of all candidates for junior clerkships in the engineering department, whether at Belfast or elsewhere. In no instance is a formal examination in these subjects held. A previous request of Mr. Shaw to be enrolled as an applicant for a junior clerkship has not been refused. The Postmaster General has no information in regard to the religious tenets of officers in his employment.
§ MR. T. M. HEALYCan the right honourable Gentleman answer the last paragraph of my Question?
§ MR. HANBURYI have no official information as to that.