§ MR. ARTHUR O'CONNORasked the Postmaster General, If his attention has been directed to the statements in the "Lancet" that—
In the Post Office Department, which yields a revenue of over three millions to the State, we hear there is great pressure, and that financial considerations exclude proper regard for the health of the employés. This is also said to be true of the Savings Bank Department, in which clerks are encouraged to work thirteen hours a day in crowded rooms, heated and lighted with gas. A more certain manufactory of consumption could not he imagined. We have heard of an instance in Queen Victoria Street whore nearly one hundred of these employés are housed in a basement where gas is burning on the brightest days;and, if he will take steps to investigate the truth of these grave statements?
§ MR. FAWCETTI can assure the hon. Member that the authorities of the Post Office are most anxious, as far as possible, to prevent the staff from being inconvenienced by over-crowding. The 548 provision of buildings is, however, one of the chief difficulties in administering a Department, the business of which is so rapidly increasing as that of the Post Office. I may mention that recently several new buildings have been taken, and enlargements are being carried out in the existing premises. Much relief will thus be afforded. With regard to the amount of overtime, I may say that no clerks have been required to work the number of hours mentioned by the hon. Member. It is difficult to ascertain the number of hours of extra duty worked, because overtime is generally paid for, not by the hour, but by the amount of work done. No clerks are employed in the basement of the Savings Bank; but the sorting of papers and book-binding are carried on there. I believe it is the case that inconvenience has been suffered from the necessity of using so large an amount of gas. The substitution of the electric light for gas is now under consideration.