HC Deb 10 July 1913 vol 55 cc585-6
57. Mr. F. HALL

asked the Postmaster-General if he will state the date when Mr. Cardew, a higher division clerk in the Post Office, entered the service; whether he entered as the result of examination; when he was retired and if the grounds for this step were his alleged inefficiency; his age at retirement; and the date when such inefficiency, if any, first became apparent?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

Mr. Cardew entered the service by open competition on the 15th May, 1883. He was retired on the 16th May last at the age of 53, because he was unable to perform efficiently the duties of his office. His work came under unfavourable notice so far back as 1893.

Mr. F. HALL

What was the nature of the inefficiency?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

It was, I regret to say, a general inefficiency. He was not competent to do the work proper to an officer of his grade.

Mr. F. HALL

Did it take thirty years in which to find that out? Were the political ideas of the gentleman taken into consideration?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

I have not the slightest notion what his political ideas were. It would not have had the slightest effect if I had. I do not know in the least what his party views are or if he has any. The hon. Member's insinuations are totally unfounded.

Mr. F. HALL

Did it not take thirty years in which to find out the inefficiency of this gentleman?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

I think it very unfortunate that he was not retired some time ago. He was kept on out of consideration for him, though adversely reported on again and again by his superior officers.

Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

Did not the right hon. Gentleman say his inefficiency first came under official notice in 1893?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

He was adversely reported upon then.