§ MR. STEADMAN (Tower Hamlets, Stepney)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, will he explain on what grounds Mr. Lacon, a telegraphist in the Birmingham Post Office and secretary to the local branch of the Postal Telegraph Clerks' Association, has been stopped in the efficiency barrier; and whether as it is admitted that Mr. Lacon is a capable operator, the Postmaster General will investigate the case with a view to discover the cause which has led to this punishment.
§ MR. ANSTRUTHER (for Mr. HANBURY)When the question of Mr. Lacon's increment came up for consideration in July last the postmaster felt unable for for the time being, to furnish the necessary certificate to enable Mr. Lacon to pass the efficiency bar on the ground that, although a capable officer, he had habitually exhibited a spirit of insubordination and indisposition to submit to authority. Under the recommendation of the Tweedmouth Committee, no officer is allowed to pass the efficiency bar without a certificate of the excellence of his conduct as well as his ability to perform the highest duties of his class, and in fixing the bar at the comparatively high point (40s. a week), the Committee stated that they held in 803 special view the purpose that it should be rigorously enforced.