§ MR. NANNETTI (Dublin, College Green)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General whether a confidential circular has been issued to certain provincial postmasters in Ireland, requesting them to furnish the names and state the qualifications of any male sorting clerk and telegraphist at their offices who wishes a transfer to the Dublin establishment; if so, is it contemplated to employ women in place of officers thus transferred, seeing that such a system would reduce the number of positions to be given by open competition in Dublin, and lower the service efficiency standard; and whether this matter will be reconsidered.
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINNo such circular has been issued.