Mr. TYSON WILSONasked the Postmaster-General whether, in the recent selection of a junior third-class surveyors' clerk for promotion to the class of assistant surveyors, the claims and qualifications of the 133 third-class surveyors' clerks senior to the officer selected were duly considered; if so, whether none of the officers senior to the man selected was considered competent to fill the position; whether the junior officer selected is a near relative of two higher officials of the Post Office; and whether this relationship influenced the selection?
§ Mr. ILLINGWORTHThe officer in question has not been appointed an assistant surveyor, but is being given a trial on the duties with a view to appointment if he proves successful. The qualifications of other members of the class have been, and are being, considered, but this is not a matter in which seniority is the determining factor. The officer in question is, I believe, a relative of higher officials in the Post Office, but this relationship has not influenced the selection in any way.