§ 38. Colonel BURNasked the Postmaster-General if there has been no promotion from the rank and file at the Torquay office since 17th October, 1900; and whether, seeing that the stagnation of promotion will be aggravated by the proposal to promote an officer from another office to fill the vacant position of assistant superintendent, he will carefully examine the qualifications of the available staff at the Torquay office?
§ Captain NORTONThe answer to the first part of the hon. Member's question is in the affirmative. My right hon. Friend has carefully examined the qualifications of the staff at the Torquay office, but he regrets that there is no local officer who can be recommended for promotion to the vacant appointment for an assistant superintendent, Class II.
§ Colonel BURNWould it not appear that there is a stigma attaching to the Torquay post office? Is it not true that if a man had responsibility cast upon his shoulders he would be likely to prove himself efficient?
§ Captain NORTONDoubtless there are some members of the sorting and telegraphy classes who might be ripe for promotion, but it would be very unusual and not desirable to promote them out of their class.