§ Mr. W. BAKERasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that a further extension of service has been granted to an assistant inspector, Belfast, in spite of the fact that this officer attained the age of 60 in September, 1927, and that two extensions have already been granted; whether he will state the reason for this third extension: and whether, in the interests of the service and in order to afford a proper flow of promotion, he will consider the advisability of curtailing the number of retentions in Northern Ireland?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONI am aware of the circumstances referred to by the hon. Member. I see no reason to interfere with the extensions of service which have been granted to officers in Northern Ireland in accordance with the recognised procedure. The officer to whom reference is made in the question will retire in July next.