§ Mr. W. BAKERasked the Postmaster General whether he is aware that practically no promotions to the clerical class have been made from the ranks of shorthand typists and typists during the last few years, although the National Whitley Council for the Civil Service has laid down that these grades should be considered equally with writing assistants for such promotions; and whether he will see that consideration is given to the claims of the shorthand typists and typists?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONI am aware that hitherto comparatively few members of the typing grades have been promoted to the clerical class. The arrangements for the promotion of writing assistants, shorthand typists and typists have been under discussion with 297W the staff for some time and are at present being reviewed by a sub-committee of the Departmental Whitley Council. It has been agreed on that Committee that pending the result of their discussions the claims of members of the typing grades shall not be overlooked when selections for promotion to the clerical class are being made.