§ MR. CUNINGHAME GRAHAMI beg to ask the Postmaster General why clerks employed in the Central Telegraph Office performing duty from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., and who had volunteered for overtime from 3 to 5 p.m., were not given the same, whereas clerks performing duty from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. were given overtime from 12 noon to 5 p.m., or a total of 14 consecutive hours' duty; 723 and whether he will state why the former are debarred in favour of the latter?
§ * MR. RAIKESIn reply to the hon. Member, I have to point out that the telegraphists performing regular duty from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. are not available for the overtime which may be found necessary at noon. It is, therefore, necessary to bring on other telegraphists at noon, and when once these officers are at their posts they prefer to work continuously rather than be released at 3.0 p.m. in order to be recalled to duty at 5.0. The two hours between 3 and 5 would be of no use to them for their private affairs, and it is at their own wish that they are allowed to do the whole spell of extra duty from noon to 5. I may add, however, that I am making inquiry with a view to ascertain whether some other arrangement is not practicable.