§ Mr. WILLIAM PEELasked whether the only promotion of a second division clerk to the rank of junior examiner within the last five years took place during his predecessor's tenure of office in November, 1907?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI am much obliged to the hon. Member for giving me an opportunity of correcting a mistake which I made unintentionally and in all good faith when answering one of his Supplementary questions on the 6th April. The appointment referred to in the question was made by my immediate predecessor in office. I have since refreshed my memory, and I find that what occurred in the case in which I proposed to transfer a member of the clerical staff to the higher staff, was that the officer concerned, after carefully considering the proposal, declined my offer, as he already received as Staff Clerk a salary superior to that which for several years he would have received as an Examiner.
§ Mr. PEELAm I to understand that the right hon. Gentleman has, in fact, made no such promotion to the rank of junior examiner?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANNo, Sir. I have stated quite explicitly in my answer that it was my predecessor who actually made the promotion. I made an offer of promotion to a second division clerk, but he did not accept my offer.