§ MR. NANNETTI (Dublin, College Green)I beg to ask the Postmaster-General whether he will explain why a candidate was appointed to the post-mastership of Stony Stratford who had only eighteen years service, seeing that other candidates applied with considerably over twenty years approved service; and whether, in view of the weekly notice in the Post Office Circular that outside influence should not be employed in seeking appointments, he will state whether any recommendations other than official were considered in this case, and what steps he proposes to take.
§ THE POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Lord STANLEY,) Lancashire, WesthoughtonThe postmaster was appointed by me because I considered him the most suitable of the candidates. He was not only strongly recommended by his official superiors, but he had also rendered special service in South Africa during the War. He was mentioned in despatches for continuous and marked good service, and his name was officially brought to the Postmaster-General's notice in 1902 by Lord Kitchener's orders. No outside or unofficial recommendations we e brought before me or considered.
§ MR. NANNETTIinquired if it were not against the rules for civil servants to receive testimonials from distinguished individuals outside.
§ LORD STANLEYIt is nothing against a man that he should receive such a testimonial as this officer did from Lord Kitchener.