§ Return ordered, "of Guaranteed 2¾ Per Cent. Stock Issues under the Irish Land Act, 1903, in the following form:—
§ the position of main learner in the Armagh Post Office; that a competitive examination, was held; that, when it was found that the successful candidates were Catholic boys from the Christian Brothers' schools, no appointment was made, and whether the vacancy was filled by a female who had previously failed to pass the necessary examination; whether he is aware that the female staff at Armagh 501 was formerly fixed at three, and will he say on what grounds the female staff has been increased; and whether there is a Catholic officer at Armagh, having twenty years service and an excellent record, whose promotion has been prevented by the anti-Catholic influences at this office.
§ (Mr. Sydney Buxton.) I strongly deprecate the implication conveyed in this Question that a candidate's chance of obtaining an appointment to the Post Office service is affected by his religious beliefs. The arrangements for such competitions as that at Armagh have to be made some considerable time in advance, and in this particular case the situation for a male learner which was offered for competition was abolished in connection with a revision of the indoor staff at Armagh three weeks before the competition was held. As, however, the competition had been advertised it was considered better that it should be held, notwithstanding that it would not be possible to appoint the successful candidate to Armagh. The successful candidate has accepted an appointment at Lurgan. The addition of one appointment for a female sorting clerk and telegraphist at Armagh was authorised in January last to provide for an increase of work. I have no knowledge of the religious beliefs of any of the officers at Armagh, and the suggestion in the last part of the hon. Member's Question is absolutely without foundation.