29. Mr. GRAHAMasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that Staff Rule No. 86 lays it down that ability to perform not only the duties of the operative class but the superintending and clerical duties of the higher classes is an essential factor in the selection of officers for promotion; whether he is aware that an officer attached to the Edinburgh Sorting Office was recently promoted over eighty-four of his seniors, although he had no experience on these higher duties; whether he will state in what way the provisions of Rule 86 were made to apply in this case; whether it is possible for a man to prove his ability to perform 2262 work without the opportunity being afforded him; and whether, in view of the unrest which this type of promotion creates, he will urge upon the Whitley Committee which is about to be set up the pressing necessity to find an early solution of this problem?
§ Mr. ILLINGWORTHThe rule referred to is substantially as quoted by the hon. Member. I assume the individual case mentioned is that to which the hon. Member called attention in his question of the 14th May last, and I would refer him to the answer then given. The question of the principles governing promotion can be raised by the staff representatives on the Whitley Committees as soon as these committees are set up.