§ MR. TUITE (Westmeath, N.)asked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether it is a fact that an Order in Council or a Treasury Minute will shortly be issued extending the time of attendance to seven hours in all Government Departments from the beginning of the next financial year?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. GOSCHEN) (St. George's Hanover Square)No, Sir. There is no intention of issuing any general Order in Council or Treasury Minute on the subject. I am strongly in favour of extending the time of attendance to seven hours; and I have been able to introduce such an extension in some Offices with very beneficial results. I have sent a Circular of inquiry on the subject to all Public Departments; but I recognize that the introduction of any such extension must be gradual, when and where favourable opportunities present themselves.