§ MR. LOUIS SINCLAIR () Essex, RomfordI beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether the Treasury on 1st June, 1899, increased the number of senior telegraphists in the E.C. district; and whether, in view of the great stagnation of promotion, and to the fact that the men affected have performed these extra duties, the Postmaster General will authorise their appointment, and date same from the time the Treasury granted its consent.
§ MR. HANBURYThe Treasury authority is dated the 7th of June last, and the arrangement to which it applies is not confined to the Eastern Central district only, but extends to the whole London district. It is considered desirable that the whole of the promotions should be made at one time, and the delay has arisen from the necessity for testing the qualifications of some officers 386 who were eligible by seniority for the newly-created posts. The promotions will be made as soon as possible, and will take effect from the date on which the several officers began to perform the more responsible duties.