§ MR. MICKLEM (Hertfordshire, Watford)To ask the Postmaster-General whether Second Division clerks permanently in the employ of the Post Office, such as those in the Accountant-General's Department and in the Savings Banks Department, are debarred either by reason of their Second Division certificate, or in practice, from appointment to higher posts such as assistant surveyorships and postmasterships which are open to sorting clerks and telegraphists; and, if so, whether he will take steps to have the restriction removed; and, if not, whether he will have the fact brought to the notice of the heads of Departments, as misapprehension exists on the subject; and whether he will state the number of Second Division clerks so appointed during the last six years.
(Answered by Mr. Sydney Buxton.) Second Division clerks are not debarred from appointments to the higher posts referred to. During the last six years seven Second Division clerks have been appointed second class assistant surveyors, but none have obtained postmasterships.