§ Mr. GLANVILLEasked the Postmaster-General how many provincial postmaster-ships have been granted during the past four years to the London clerical force, the London telegraph supervising force, the London postal supervising force, and explain the variations, if any, in the distribution of these positions?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELIn the last four years fourteen provincial postmaster-ships have been conferred on members of the London clerical force, five on members of the London telegraph supervising force, and three on members of the London postal supervising force. The appointments conferred on members of the first-mentioned body are naturally most numerous, since the clerical force perform, most of the important administrative work, and are consequently often found to be best qualified. My object is on all occasions to select the most competent: officer for promotion, and equality of distribution is unattainable.