§ MR. SLOANTo ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he will explain why Constable Lynch, of the Royal Irish Constabulary, stationed at Ballygawley, has been promoted over the heads of at least five other constables of unblemished character, senior to him on the lists for promotion, 537 and say on whose recommendation the exception was made.
(Answered by Mr. Walter Long.) Constable Lynch, who has had nearly twenty-three years service, was recently promoted on the recommendation of his superior officers as being the most eligible for promotion at the time. No exception to the ordinary rule was made in his case. Seniority is but one of several factors which govern promotion.