§ Mr. MARTINasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that an officer has recently been promoted to the rank of overseer in the Central Telegraph Office, and that at least twenty-one men, nearly all of whom are fully qualified, have been 171W passed over in consequence; whether an undertaking has been given by his Department that officers must have proved qualifications and experience in the practical branches of the work before being promoted; whether this man has been a confidential clerk to the assistant controller (Metropolitan), and has for many years had no experience in the galleries; and whether, in view of the discontent which this promotion has provoked, he will cause an inquiry to be made into the system of selection for promotion which is adopted in that office?
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§ Captain NORTONThe officer in question was promoted because I was satisfied from the reports of the supervising officers in the Central Telegraph Office that he was the best qualified officer for promotion. He has, I may state, a high degree of technical knowledge. I am not aware of the undertaking to which the hon. Member refers; but after full inquiry I am satisfied that the system of selection for promotion in force at the Central Telegraph Office is such as to ensure the promotion of the best qualified officers, and I see no reason for further inquiry.