HC Deb 09 March 1905 vol 142 cc939-40
MR. SLOAN

I beg to ask the Postmaster-General if he can state how many years service had the successful candidates †See (4) Debates, cxli., 1336 dates recently appointed to the post-masterships of Tralee, Carrick-on-Shannon, and Arklow at the date of their several appointments; and what were the years of service of the senior applicants in each of the three cases.

LORD STANLEY

I do not think it desirable to enter into details as to the qualifications or seniority of the candidates for postmasterships from amongst whom my selection is made; but I may mention that in the case of Tralee and Carrick-on-Shannon the senior recommended applicants were officers at Sheffield and in London respectively, who did not possess all the qualifications necessary; while in the case of Arklow the senior recommended applicant was a postman unacquainted with telegraphy.

MR. J. P. FARRELL

Were there no Irishmen fit for these positions?

LORD STANLEY

Yes, but these postmasterships are open to the whole United Kingdom, and there were applicants from other parts senior and more suitable.