§ Sir WILLIAM BULLasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether, in view of the fact that the transfer of assistant clerks from one department to another at their own request has become general since the publication of the Order in Council dated 21st December, 1907, he will take steps to amend his ruling of the 2nd April, 1909, respecting the seniority of assistant clerks who transferred prior to 21st De-comber, 1907, especially as it is the practice in many departments to allow full seniority, the Postmaster-General having, on the 4th December, 1909, granted this concession to all assistant clerks employed in the Post Office without reference to the date of transfer?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEI think it necessary to leave the question of the seniority of550W assistant clerks transferred before 21st December, 1907, to be determined by the departments in which they are serving.