HC Deb 23 March 1893 vol 10 c903
MR. STANLEY LEIGHTON

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether he is aware that owing to the Sitting of the House on Saturday 11th March, the employés in the printing office were obliged to spend a great part of Sunday in preparing the Votes and Parliamentary Papers for distribution to Members on Monday morning; and, if so, whether he will, in future, arrange the business of the Government in such a way as to allow, at least, one day's rest in the week to the officers engaged in the service of the House of Commons.

MR. W. E. GLADSTONE

If I understand the question aright, it refers to Saturday Sittings which may interfere with the Sabbath rest of the printers. My answer is that we have no control over the proceedings of the printers; but at the same time I admit that it is conceivable that Saturday Sittings, especially if they are prolonged to a late hour, may make it very difficult to regulate the business so as to avoid Sunday labour. Such a consideration should make us extremely reluctant to have Saturday Sittings if we can avoid them.