§ 6. Mr. MARTINasked the Postmaster-General whether, in connection with the promotion of Mr. Ashby to an overseer-ship in the Central Telegraph Office, the 1231 high technical qualification was an essential feature in this special selection for promotion; whether he is aware that an officer fully qualified in all clerical duties, who was also a medallist in technical subjects and had performed devolution duty into the higher class for a considerable period, was for some months passed over; whether it is his intention to regard men as having special claim for promotion who have performed confidential writing duties for higher officials; and whether it is in the interest of the public service that men who have actually performed the duties of overseers for long periods should be passed over, whilst others who have been removed from the practical work in the instrument galleries should receive promotion?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELThe high technical qualification possessed by Mr. Ashby was an important factor, but not by any means the only factor, in determining his selection. The other officer referred to, though well qualified in certain respects, was not at the time the best qualified. I am satisfied after full investigation that the system of selection for promotion which is in force at the Central Telegraph Office is suited to meet the requirements of the public service. It is not my intention to regard the performance of writing duties for higher officials as establishing a special claim for promotion.