asked the Postmaster-General what is the number of male assistant clerks in the Post Office who reached the efficiency bar on the new clerical class scale on 1st January, 1920, and the number who were stopped at this bar, also the number of women clerks in the Post Office who reached the efficiency bar on the new clerical class scale on 1st January, 1920, and the number of those who were stopped at this bar?

The number of former male assistant clerks who reached the efficiency bar on the scale for the new clerical class on 1st January, 1920, was 126, and the number of former women clerks 584. Of the assistant clerks three were stopped at the bar, and of the women clerks 164 were stopped. There is, however, no analogy between the two cases, inasmuch as the women clerks reaching the bar on 1st January, 1920, were those who had already reached the maximum of the old scale for second-class women clerks, and had in many cases been passed over for promotion; while the assistant clerks who reached the bar on the same date had already given proof of their efficiency by passing two barrier points on the old assistant clerks' scale, and had not reached the maximum of that scale.

asked the Postmaster-General if, in making any appointment of a medical officer to the Post Office, he will ensure that preference is given in every case to applicants who have served in the War; and in how many cases of recent appointments this has not been done?

In making an appointment as medical officer to the Post Office regard is paid to service with the forces; but consideration has also to be given to other factors, such as professional qualifications and length of residence in the district. There are no records available which would enable me to reply to the second part of the question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the accident which happened at Measham in which a cyclist was killed by a colliery engine crossing the public highway; and whether he will put into force his powers to secure either that proper level-crossing gates are placed across the roadway or that ample warning is given of the passing of trains?

I have been asked to answer this question. I am making inquiries into the circumstances of the accident and will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as possible.