HC Deb 19 June 1912 vol 39 c1657
23. Viscount CASTLEREAGH

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the fact that he informed a deputation from an association of postal workers, on the 15th August last, that offences five years old would not be brought up against the staff, provided there were a subsequent clear record, and that in the case of a recent promotion at the Maidstone office an officer passed over was informed that it had been noticed that he had not a clear record, he will say whether the reference was to an entry in the officer's record dated 1898; and, if so, whether he will explain why it was considered desirable to refer to that entry, in view of the statement made by him to the aforementioned deputation?

The POSTMASTER - GENERAL (Mr. Herbert Samuel)

The officer to whom the Noble Lord refers was not promoted solely because he was not the officer best qualified for promotion. The selection was carried out "without regard to the entry in his record; and he has been fully assured on this point.