§ SIR LEWIS M'IVER (Edinburgh, W.)To ask the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that recent promotions to the class of clerks in the postal branch at Edinburgh have given dissatisfaction to the staff; and that, of three men promoted, one passed over thirty-seven, a second over thirty, and a third over fifty-nine seniors; whether the supervising body was consulted before these selections were made; and, if not, whether he sanctions the supervising body being passed over in such matters.
§ (Answered by Mr. Austen Chamberlain.) The officers selected for promotion were those who, in my opinion, were best fitted for the duties of the vacant posts. The promotions were not authorised by me until I had given full consideration to the reports which had been obtained from the responsible officers upon the qualifications of all the persons concerned.