§ MR. STEADMAN (Tower Hamlets, Stepney)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether he is aware that the Departmental Committee appointed to inquire into the holiday arrangements at the Central Telegraph Office, in submitting a proposed scheme to the staff representatives, expressly stated that as a condition of its application the holidays should be distributed equally over the holiday months and chosen in order of seniority; whether these conditions are now being departed from; and whether he will direct that the holidays shall be distributed equally over the eight holiday months and chosen strictly in order of seniority.
§ THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Mr. HANBURY,) PrestonNo, Sir; I am informed that the Committee made no such statement. Considerable additions have been made to the staff to enable every telegraphist to take a holiday in one of the best eight months. The senior men have the choice of the best four months, and I understand that a senior officer who prefers taking a holiday in the other four has no difficulty in finding a junior to exchange with him.