§ MR. MACVEAGH (Down, S.)To ask the Postmaster-General, with reference to the examination for male learners in February, 1904, whether he can state how many of the eleven successful candidates have since been appointed, what is the cause of the delay in appointing the remainder, and when they are likely to be called in.
(Answered by Lord Stanley.) I presume that the hon. Member refers to the examination for male learners in the Dublin Office. If this be so none of these candidates have yet been appointed owing to the decrease in telegraph work and to a smaller number of vacancies on the class of sorting clerks and telegraphists having occurred than was anticipated. It is impossible to say when they will receive appointments, since it depends upon the occurrence of vacancies.