§ MR. NANNETTI (Dublin, College Green)I beg to ask the Postmaster General whether he is aware that a telegraphist named Mercer, of the Bristol Post Office, has applied for 160 vacant postmaster ships since 1894; whether, seeing that during these periods clerks of less service, experience, ability, and salary have been the recipients of these positions, he will make inquiry into the case.
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINI have no knowledge of the number of applications made by Mr. Mercer since 1894, but it is clear that he has not been considered by either my predecessors or myself the best qualified candidate for any appointment for which he has applied, and I see no reason for making special inquiry.