MR. P. O'BRIENOn behalf of the hon. Member for St. Patrick's Division, Dublin (Mr. W. FIELD), I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether he can state the cause of the delay in carrying into effect in the postmen's branch, Dublin, the recommendations of the Committee on Post Office Establishments relative to nine hours' rest at home; and whether, in view of the severity of the present duties of postmen at that office, the order as to late attendance may be suspended from 1st April last, as also the recent order relative to sick leave, until such time as the revision may be carried into effect?
§ MR. HANBURYThe recommendation of the Committee on Post Office Establishments, relative to nine hours' rest at home, can hardly be carried into effect until the question of the time of arrival of the day Mail from England has been definitely settled. If the hour of that Mail's arrival should be altered the men's duties will have to be almost entirely recast. As the hon. Member is aware, the hours of the day Mails are now under the consideration of a Committee, which I hope will report shortly. The regulations mentioned by the hon. Member are general, and not peculiar to Dublin.