§ MR. JAMES O'CONNOR () Wicklow, W.To ask the Postmaster General, whether he is aware that a telegraphist in the Central Office, London, has been selected for the post of senior clerk, although thirty skilled operators were senior to him; whether, in view of the official declaration that good conduct, manipulative ability, and seniority are alone necessary for this position, he will state the grounds for the selection; and whether the telegraphists senior to the one selected by the Controller are to receive any recognition of their service as operating telegraphists.
(Answered by Mr. Austen Chamberlain.) I fear I must again ask the hon. Member to refer to my answer to the Question of the hon. Member for Hoxton on the 13st ultimo,† which comprises all that I can say on this subject.
§ MR. JAMES O'CONNORTo ask the Postmaster General, whether, in view of the fact that officials of the permanent staff of the Controller of the Central Telegraphs have been promoted recently to important administrative positions in the instrument gallery because of their special supervising abilities, he will state where these officers acquired their technical and practical knowledge; whether either of them has previously supervised in the instrument gallery of the Central Office; and whether one of the man promoted has for twenty-eight years been engaged on clerical duties remote from the instrument galleries.
(Answered by Mr. Austen Chamberlain.) I have already informed the hon. Member, in answer to a Question which he put to me on the 27th November, that I selected for promotion the officers who were in my opinion best fitted for the duties of their new posts. I must respectfully decline to discuss their qualifications further by way of question and answer in this House.
§ † see (4) Debates, lxxix., 1425