§ MR. C. DUNCANI beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury how many vacancies in the position of upper section clerk in the Customs have arisen during the past twelve months; how many have been filled up; and, with regard to any existing vacancies, when the junior officers will be promoted to fill them.
§ MR. RUNCIMANDuring the year ended 31st ult., eight vacancies occurred in the ranks of clerk, second class, upper 1544 section. One of the places vacated was abolished in consequence of the repeal of the coal duty. None of the remaining places have been filled, and the Board of Customs do not consider that it would be in the interests of the public service to indicate in advance their intentions in relation to questions involving the promotion of officers.