§ Mr. W. BAKERasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the discontent prevailing among senior telephonists at Leeds owing to recent promotions which resulted in the passing over of 13 qualified telephonists who have served on the acting list for many years; whether he is aware that some have done so since the War period, and performed acting duties during that trying time without ever having been informed that, in any way, they fell short of the standard necessary for promotion; and what assurance he can give to all these officers that their ability and long and satisfactory service are being fully recognised?
§ Viscount WOLMERI am acquainted with the circumstances. As the hon. Member will be aware, an officer selected for promotion must be not only qualified for the higher post, but must be the best qualified of the eligible candidates. The qualifications of the senior officers referred to were fully considered by the local promotion board responsible for making the recommendations; and I can find no reason for dissenting from their conclusions.