§ 62. Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKasked the Postmaster-General, with reference to the fact, in connection with the engineering revision of 1911, that twenty-nine of the ninety remaining redundant engineers are in process of absorption into the higher class and that seventeen are unfit for promotion, whether it is intended that the remaining forty-four officers shall continue to serve without any prospects of promotion.
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEThe Noble Lord's question is apparently based on figures quoted in my speech on the Post Office Estimates; but as I indicated on that occasion, I was unable to state with certainty the exact figures. The total number of second class engineers is fifty-seven; of these, seventeen may, as I informed the hon. Member for North Islington on the 23rd ultimo, be found suitable for advancement as opportunities occur. I regret that I can hold out no hope of the remaining officers obtaining promotion, unless in any particular case clear proof is given of improved qualifications.