§ MR. A. M. BROOKFIELD (Sussex, Rye)I beg to ask the Patronage Secretary to the Treasury whether appointments to the position of Custom House boatman are for the present suspended; whether Her Majesty's Government are considering the expediency of offering these posts in future to retired soldiers and sailors of good character; and whether, in the meantime, and before any change of system is made, steps will be taken to appoint those men whose names are already on the list of persons nominated?
§ THE PATRONAGE SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Sir W. H. WALROND,) Devon, TivertonOwing to a re-arrangement in the staff of Her Majesty's Customs, all appointments to the post of boatman were suspended in September last for an indefinite period, and there is no immediate prospect of a renewal of vacancies. Candidates are only eligible between the ages of 20 and 30, and they must pass an examination before the Civil Service Commissioners. I am always glad to consider the claims of any old soldiers or sailors who are recommended to me subject to these conditions. The names already on the list of candidates are so numerous that under the most favourable circumstances some years must elapse before they all receive nominations. Meanwhile no further applications can be entertained; but I must reserve to myself freedom to deal with such vacancies as may occur in the future upon the merits of individual cases.