§ Mr. LAWSONasked the Postmaster-General what action he proposed to take to meet the case of those officers in his department who prepared themselves for the limited competition for clerkships on the supplementary establishment, expected to have been held in September, 1909, but now suspended without previous notice; whether these officers were in any way so informed; whether he proposes to secure any extension of the age limit in order that these officers who were qualified for such examination may compete in the open Civil Service competitions which serve to recruit the force in other branches of the Post Office; and, if not, whether any preference will be given in considering applications for writers' duties or other similar appointments to such officers, subject to it being proved that they had fully qualified themselves?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELThe temporary suspension of the competitions for clerkships on the supplementary establishment results from a recent revision under which the numbers of that establishment have been reduced; and it was not possible to issue any notice respecting the competition until it was known that the recommendations would be approved. I am sorry that a number of officers have been disappointed of the opportunity of competing, but in all Civil Service competitions fluctuations are unavoidable, and I should not be justified in attempting to obtain an extension of age in respect of these particular competitions, which could not be granted in respect of much wider competitions.