asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he is aware that, in a decision conveyed to them on 13th January, 1953, the representations of three postal sorters for appointment as post office clerks, grade B, were rejected; and, if so, if he will state the grounds on which their claim failed to measure up to the tests applied to that of 14 successful claimants in 1942.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Appointment of Sorters as Grade B. Clerks.
In 1942, the 14 officers referred to by the Deputy were appointed as post office clerks, exceptionally, on the grounds that their success in examinations held before the change of administration in 1922 had given them a reasonable expectation of being appointed as clerks, that they would have been so appointed but for the change of administration and the subsequent reorganisation of the Department, and that all of them who were available for such duties were, in fact, acting on clerical duties immediately prior to the reorganisation.
These considerations do not apply tothe other three officers referred to who are in the same position as a number of officers appointed postmen subsequent to 1922. The three officers, in common with other postmen, have had several opportunities for securing appointment as post office clerks by way of limited competitions—for none of which they entered.
I should, perhaps, add that, since 1943, these officers have made 11 appeals, including ones to both my immediate predecessors, and should be fully aware of the position.