§ MR. HENNIKER HEATON (Shoreditch, Hoxton)To ask the Postmaster General, whether seeing that in 1880 a scale of pay was introduced in London giving to telegraph operators the salary of £per year, and that late Controller Sir H. Fischer, stated that seniority, good conduct, and manipulative ability secured this salary to operating telegraphists, he will state what qualifications are necessary to secure this salary at the present time
(Answered by Mr. Austen Chamberlain.) The qualifications are ability, good conduct, length of service, and fitness for the work of supervision; and the Postmaster General selects for promotion from among the candidates so qualified the officer who is in his opinion, all things considered, best fitted for the duties which have to be performed.