MR. KENNARDasked the Post-master General, Whether any steps have been taken to inquire into the alleged maladministration of the Post Office Savings Banks, and whether he can now assure the House that that important branch of the public service is being re-organised with a view to the more efficient performance of work by the staff without recourse to the system of "over time," and with a due regard to the vested interests of the male staff?
§ MR. SHAW LEFEVREThe administration of the Savings Banks has engaged much of the attention, not only of the Postmaster General, but of myself, and I can assure the House that it is now in a satisfactory condition. Several beneficial changes have recently been effected by the officers now in charge of the Department; and now that additional and long-needed premises have been acquired, further changes will be made, and the amount of overtime will be considerably reduced. For many reasons it would be unadvisable to abolish overtime work, and with it overtime pay, altogether.