C 9 1
of the Observatory, and by Mr. Figg, Assistant in that department.
2.
Dr Doberek solicits a ruling by Your Lordship to the effect that when he may go on leave I should accept his recommendation of Mr. Figg instead of Plummer to act for him during his absence. Mr Plummer is the Chief Assistant in the Observatory and therefore Mr. Figg's senior in the department, he was appointed to that office by the Secretary of State on the selection of the Astronomer Royal, and I therefore do not consider that it would be proper to supersede him in Mr Figg's favour.
3.
Mr. Figg asks for an increase of salary, but I am not prepared under existing circumstances, and especially in view of the prospective