§ Mr. W. BAKERasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that at Bristol a sorting clerk and telegraphist has been promoted overseer, although 1534W tenth on the acting list and fifty-fourth on the seniority list; that the officers passed over on the acting list are of proved capacity and wide experience, and that no adverse reports have been passed upon them; whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction prevailing among the staff as a result of the pass over; and why such an unusual course was followed in this instance?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONI presume the hon. Member is referring to a promotion made in January last. The officer promoted in this case was reported to be the best qualified of the eligible candidates, including those on the acting list. I am not aware of the dissatisfaction referred to by the hon. Member, and I have received no representations from the officers passed over.
§ Mr. AMMONasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that Miss F. A. Barker is senior telephonist at the Wakefield Exchange; that her service extends back to September, 1904; that she was in charge of the exchange for 11 years and that she has a perfect conduct record; and why she has recently been passed over for the vacancy of assistant-supervisor at the exchange?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONMiss Barker is the senior telephonist at the Wakefield Exchange; and her established service dates from 1912; but it is not the case that she was in charge of the exchange for 11 years. She was formerly employed on occasions as a substitute for the officer in charge of the exchange, but as her performance of the duties was not wholly satisfactory it became necessary in 1921 to discontinue this arrangement. She is not regarded as possessing the necessary qualifications for the supervising post.