HC Deb 21 February 1901 vol 89 cc688-9
MR. LOUGH

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether postmen who offer themselves as candidates for postmaster and sub-postmaster vacancies that are advertised in the Official Circular are required to have a knowledge of telegraph duties.

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN,) Worcestershire, E.

It is open to any officer of the Department whatever his rank and whether possessed of telegraph qualifications or not, to apply for any appointment as postmaster or sub-postmaster advertised in the Official Circular. Of course a candidate who possessed such qualifications would have a better chance of success, other things being equal, than one who did not.

MR. LOUGH

But is a knowledge of telegraphic duties insisted upon?

MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

No. Sir; but, other things being equal, the candidate with the knowledge stands the better chance of success.