§ Mr. B. S. STRAUSasked the Postmaster-General whether discretion has always rested with the heads of his Department to call upon any officer to retire at 60 years of age; whether, in a recent promotion to the rank of assistant-controller at the Central Telegraph Office, London, he is aware that the officer promoted was nearly 62 years of age; whether any rule has been abrogated by the promotion of an officer who has exceeded the age of 60; and whether, having regard to the reduction of superior positions and the almost entire lack of promotion for the general body at this office, he will direct that officers approaching to, or who have passed, the age of 60 shall not be selected for promotion?
§ Mr. BUXTONOfficers of the Post Office are called upon to retire on reaching the age of 60, unless it is to the interest of the service to retain them. It is the case that an officer over 61 years of age has recently been promoted in the Central Telegraph Office. No rule has been infringed by his promotion, nor is it thought desirable to lay down any rule of the nature suggested.