§ MR. SEAVERNS (Lambeth, Brixton)To ask the Postmaster-General whether he has sanctioned a scheme for the devolution of duties in the Central Telegraph Office, by which men arc supervising others in the same class who possess greater service, and are in some instances receiving larger salaries; whether he is aware that, in 1906, the Secretary to the Post Office expressed the opinion that such a system would be difficult and unsatisfactory; and whether, in view of the fact that the question of men of one grade performing the duties of the next class without extra pay is under the consideration of the Select Committee, he will discontinue the scheme pending the issue of its report.
(Answered by Mr. Sydney Burton.) Devolution of duties is a means adopted for filling the places of those absent on leave or otherwise and at the same time testing fitness for promotion. It is desirable to apply this test not only to those who are at the very top of the next class, but to others also who are near the top of the class, and the result is that in some cases men supervise others who have longer service. I see no reason for making a change, pending the Report of the Select Committee. I do not know to what statement of the Secretary to the Post Office the hon. Member refers.