§ Mr. W. J. BROWNasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that no clerical officers of assistant-clerk or clerical-assistant origin in the London telephone service have been promoted since 1920, and that the opportunities for advancement from the junior ranks have been limited by the retention of officers in the higher grades who have passed the age of 60 years; and whether he will take steps to facilitate the promotion of deserving clerical officers with more than 20 years of service in the London telephone service and to prevent the extension of service of those officers reaching 60 years of age whose retention has the effect of retarding promotion?
§ Mr. ATTLEEI am aware that no clerical officers of assistant-clerk or 1683W clerical-assistant origin in the London Telephone Service have been promoted since 1920. This is not due in any appreciable degree to the retention in the Service of officers on higher grades who have passed the age of 60, but to the superior claims of senior clerks. During the past three years only three officers of the clerical staff above the rank of clerical officer have been granted extensions of service beyond the age of 60, and two of these have now retired.