§ MR. TULLYI beg to ask the Postmaster General whether he can state on what grounds English officials have been appointed to the recent vacancies for postmasterships in Ireland; why have Irish officers of long service been passed over; and whether he will take steps to secure that promotions to Irish post offices will be made from the ranks of the Irish officials.
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINVacancies in postmasterships are habitually advertised in the Post Office Circular and are open to all qualified applicants irrespective of their place of residence at the time. In filling recent vacancies in Ireland I have chosen the senior candidate who appeared to me in all respects qualified. And I am satisfied that this is the only method of selection which is fair to the large staff' employed by the Post Office. Exactly the same rules are followed in filling vacancies in England or Scotland.
§ MR. T. M. HEALY () Louth, N.Has the right hon. Gentleman seen the list of these appointments in the Tory Erening Mail?
§ (No answer was returned.)
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINThey are not.