57. Mr. CHANCELLORasked the Postmaster-General whether it is the practice in his Department to recognise seniority combined with merit in the promotion of officers to superior positions in the London postal service?
§ The ASSISTANT POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Captain Norton)It is the practice in cases of promotion in all departments of the Post Office to consider the claims of the eligible officers in order of seniority, with a view to the selection of the officer who is best qualified to discharge the duties of the vacant post. Where the merits of two candidates approximate to equality seniority would be the deciding factor.
58. Mr. CHANCELLORasked the Postmaster-General whether any protest has been received by him or by the Controller of the London postal service from senior officers in the returned letter section against having been passed over through the recent appointment of a junior officer to a higher appointment in that section; and, if so, whether this was through any incapacity on their part or any dissatisfaction with their past service, or whether there is any other reason for ignoring seniority in making this appointment?
§ Captain NORTONThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The senior officers referred to were passed over because they were not considered to be so well qualified for promotion as the officer selected.