asked the Postmaster-General whether he will state the reasons for the exceptional promotion of a junior assistant superintendent in the cable room, Central Telegraph Office, to the post of superintendent, higher grade, passing over all senior officers in his own grade as well as the whole grade above; whether he is aware that the selected officer has been an assistant superintendent for only 17 months; that he was not on the acting list and has performed no higher duties; that this is the second case of the kind in the Central Telegraph Office within a few weeks; and that grave apprehension has been caused by this further departure from the recognised methods of promotion?

I am aware of the circumstances. The exceptional promotion was made because it was considered necessary on this occasion to promote an officer with special qualifications. The claims and qualifications of all the senior officers were fully considered and I am satisfied that none of them was so well qualified for the performance of the higher duties as the officer who was selected. I must retain the right to make these exceptional promotions, which are provided for under the agreed regulations. Although, as the hon. Member points out, two such promotions have been made recently in the Central Telegraph Office, my powers in this direction are exercised very infrequently.

Was not there a third case of exceptional promotion brought to the right hon. Gentleman's personal notice recently?

Not with regard to this department?