§ MR. GROVESI beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether he can say when an answer will be given to the application made by Postman J. E. Frost, Manchester, in December, 1900, and repeated in March and June, 1901, for the restoration of a deferred increment arrested under the rules of the service in December, 1898.
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINPostman Frost was appointed in December, 1897, on probation; but owing to irregular attendance his probation was extended twice, and it was only in August, 1899, that his appointment could be confirmed. No increment is allowed before confirmation of appointment, and Frost's increment was allowed when it next accrued, namely, in December, 1899. Readjustment of pay or date of increment does not extend to any time prior to the confirmation of appointment. This has now been explained to Frost.