§ Mr. F. ROBERTSasked the Postmaster-General whether the Comptroller and Accountant-General of the Post Office retired from the service in August, 1919, at the age of 65 years; whether the retention of Sir Charles King until 65 years of age was said to be due to the importance of his office and to his indispensability; whether the Post Office Estimates for the current year amount to £50,000,000; and whether, having regard to the imperative need for economy and for effective financial supervision, he will explain the ten months' delay in filling this vital post?
§ Mr. ILLINGWORTHThe facts are substantially as stated. The vacant post has not yet been filled because the gentleman whom I propose to appoint is employed upon other important Government work from which it is not possible at the moment to release him. But I hope that the appointment will very shortly be announced.