§ 83. Mr. WORTHINGTON EVANSasked whether the rule is observed in Post Office employment at Londonderry that half of the vacancies shall be filled by ex-soldiers and half by ex-messengers; and whether he will state the names and previous occupations of the last ten appointments made of postmen at Londonderry?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEThe rule referred to by the hon. Member is observed at Londonderry. The last ten vacancies for postmen at that office have been filled as follows: four by ex-messengers, one by an ex-sailor, one by an ex-soldier, and four by transfer of postmen from other offices. The vacancies resulting from these transfers to Londonderry have been filled as follows: three by ex-soldiers and one by an ex-messenger. If the hon. Member so desires, I will furnish him with the names of the postmen.
§ Colonel YATEWill the right hon. Gentleman see that the promise to appoint a certain proportion of old soldiers is observed?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEIf the hon. and gallant Member will look at my answer he will sec that the proportion laid down—50 per cent.—is observed.