§ Mr. BAKERasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that dissatisfaction exists in the Aberdeen Post Office with regard to two recent promotions to the rank of overseer postal; whether he is aware that the officers promoted were numbers 16 and 21, respectively, on the seniority list; whether he was informed that among the officers passed over were four who were on the acting list, two of whom had covered vacancies continuously for nearly three years and were still acting and rotating on the ordinary duties of supervising officers when the promotions were made; and whether he will inquire into the whole circumstances of this case?
§ Mr. HARTSHORNThe hon. Member appears to have been misinformed. There were two promotions at Aberdeen in March last; but the officers promoted were numbers 4 and 9 respectively on the seniority list. I have already inquired fully into these promotions in connection with appeals made to me by officers on the acting list who were passed over. Employment as "acting" overseer gives no claim to promotion, which is dependent upon an officer being not only fully qualified but the best qualified officer on his class. I am quite satisfied that the best qualified officers were promoted on this occasion.