§ Mr. WATTasked the Postmaster-General whether his Department never advances to postmasterships any of the local men who have been serving where the vacancies occur, but always prefers outsiders from other parts of the country; if so, will he say why this system is adopted, in view of the fact that frequently, if not always, the imported outsiders have to be taught the local ways and methods by those who ought to have been promoted; and will he in future give the other method a trial?
Mr. PEASEThere is no restriction such as that suggested by the hon. Member, and a local candidate is frequently appointed; but the candidate who is regarded as, in every respect, the most suitable for the vacant post is selected quite irrespective 933W of the locality in which he is employed. In any cases where qualifications are equal, an applicant possessing local knowledge would obviously be preferred.