§ MR. O'GRADY (Leeds, E.)To ask the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that a vacancy for an assistant inspector of postmen at Durham has been filled by a man from Harrogate, and that men of good character at Durham, with service ranging from fifteen to twenty-nine years, have been passed over; whether the postmaster of Durham objects to men being promoted in his own office, but is willing to recommend them for promotion elsewhere; and whether he has sanctioned this restriction on promotion.
(Answered by Mr. Sydney Buxton.) A new appointment has recently been authorised for an inspector of postmen at Durham. There was, unfortunately, no postman at that office fully qualified to fill the new position, and it was therefore necessary to select an eligible officer 568 from another town. I have no reason to suppose that the postmaster of Durham entertains the view suggested by the hon. Member, but I should certainly not countenance any exclusion of well-qualified Durham officers from promotion in their own office.