HC Deb 31 March 1896 vol 39 cc513-4
MR. HUBERT DUNCOMBE (Cumberland, Egremont)

On behalf of the hon. Member for North Camberwell (Major DALBIAC), I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether a petition has been received from the sorting staff of London Bridge Parcels Depôt, referring to the fact that the periods of annual leave extend beyond October, thus contravening the official regulations which limit them within a period of eight months, and when an answer to the petition may be expected?

*THE SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Mr. R. W. HANBURY,) Preston

The petition to which the hon. Member refers has been received and an answer returned. But I may inform the hon. Member that there are no official Regulations confining the annual leave within eight months. In the great majority of cases it is impossible to do this. But where it is practicable leave is confined to the better months of the year, and in London Postal Service it is confined not to eight months but to 36 weeks.