§ 21. Mr. W. GRAHAMasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the efficiency of the telegraph service is detrimentally affected by the present policy of the Post Office with regard to promotion; whether the claims to promotion of highly skilled and efficient officers with long experience in their craft are 1701 frequently overlooked, with the inevitable result that many of the older men are disheartened and disgusted; and whether, seeing that a dispirited officer ceases to be of value to the service, he will experiment by promoting the senior efficient officer to the next vacancy at Edinburgh, in the hope of securing an efficient, contented, and keen service?
§ Mr. PEASEThe claims and qualifications of all eligible officers are carefully considered before promotions are made. Due regard is paid to seniority; but merit rather than seniority is the basis of selection, and I see no reason to modify this principle in the case of Edinburgh.