§ Sir J. D. REESasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that second-class engineers in the Post Office service of twenty-five years acknowledged good service have been informed that they are redundant and have no hope of further advancement except in regard to a limited number; whether new men have been admitted to the service above such officers of long standing and approved service; and whether he has finally decided to give 1634W them no redress for the grievances they have on many occasions represented?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELUnder a revision of the Engineering Department in July, 1911, the second-class of engineers became redundant; but the majority of the members of that class have been placed upon the new class of assistant engineers, for which higher qualifications are required, and which is to be recruited normally by competition. It is not anticipated that more than a limited number of the remaining second-class engineers will prove qualified for advancement to the class of assistant engineers; but the claims of eligible officers will be reviewed as suitable vacancies occur. I am, however, convinced that it would be most undesirable to refrain from filling a certain proportion of the vacancies by competition.