Mr. ALFRED DAVIES (Clitheroe),asked the Assistant Postmaster-General whether, in considering the qualification of the postal and telegraph staff for promotion to superior appointments, it is his custom to base the selections purely on merit; whether it is the practice to ignore seniority; and whether, having regard to the dissatisfaction with many recent appointments, he will give an assurance that seniority, together with merit and efficiency, will be taken into account in all future vacancies which arise in the higher classes?
§ Mr. PEASEAs stated in my reply to the hon. Member for Central Edinburgh (Mr. W. Graham) yesterday, the claims and qualifications of all eligible officers are carefully considered before promotions are made. Due regard is paid to1906W seniority, but merit rather than seniority is the basis of selection. I am not aware of the existence of any widespread dissatisfaction in the matter.