§ MR. MACVEAGH (Down, S.)To ask the Postmaster-General whether any appointments have been made in Ireland since the last examination in Dublin for male learners; and whether he can state why the examination was held if there were no vacancies.
(Answered by Lord Stanley.) The answer to the first part of the hon. Member's Question is in the affirmative. In order that vacancies, when they occur, may be filled without delay it is necessary to hold examinations in advance of the vacancies. I regret that the probable number of vacancies was in this instance, as I informed the hon. Member on the 22nd instant, † over-estimated.