§ MR. SLOAN (Belfast, S.)To ask the Postmaster-General with regard to the revision of the indoor staff of the Portadown post office, the proposals for which were submitted in February, 1906, and sanctioned in December last, by which provision was made for a chief 677 clerkship and two additional overseers, whether the changes, as provided for under that revision, have yet been given effect to; and, if not, to what cause is the delay to be attributed, and with whom does it rest; is he aware that an overseer is and has been, since the revision was authorised, performing the duties of chief clerk, as also two telegraphists discharging the duties of overseers without the remuneration incident to these respective positions; and whether he will take steps to have this matter terminated, as also to assure that those affected shall receive the emoluments attached to the positions that they now occupy from the date on which the revision was ratified.
(Answered by Mr. Sydney Buxton.) The promotions in question were settled at the end of April last, but their announcement was delayed for inquiry into certain suggestions of religious bias communicated to me, by the hon. Member for West Belfast. I have now satisfied myself that the recommendations placed before me were influenced by no improper motive; and the promotions will be announced forthwith, taking effect from the 29th April last. I regret that I am unable to carry out the promotion from the date of the revision, as suggested.