§ Mr. WILLIAM ABRAHAM (Dublin Harbour)asked the Postmaster-General whether he will state under what circumstances were 186 sorting clerks and telegraphists passed over in the Dublin Sorting Office for promotion to an overseership in May last, and 125 sorting clerks and telegraphists passed over for a similar appointment in June last; whether he is aware that those appointments have caused dissatisfaction amongst the staff at Dublin; and if he will consider the advisability of introducing a system by which promotion in the Dublin Sorting Office will be governed by seniority, efficiency and good conduct?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELThe sorting clerks and telegraphists referred to were passed over in each case because I was satisfied by the reports that were made to me that they were not so well qualified to perform the duties of the higher class
as the officer selected for promotion. As regards the last part of the hon. Member's question, due weight is given to seniority in making promotions to the supervising classes, and no man is promoted whose conduct is not good. Their probable efficiency in the class in which officers will serve is necessarily the principal factor in determining promotion.