HC Deb 02 July 1900 vol 85 cc276-7
MR. STEADMAN

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether his attention has been called to the fact that members of the staff employed at the Aldgate and Eastern District post offices who are engaged upon counter work perform 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., noon to 10 p.m., and 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. duties, and in each case without relief for tea; whether, although a Parliamentary Return, published in 1898, stated that relief was given on the latter duty, the counter clerks are obliged to perform their duties whilst having their meals; and whether the Postmaster General will consent to allow relief to be given to all clerks performing more than eight hours duty.

MR. HANBURY

It is the case that, in consequence of great pressure of duty at the offices named, no regular period of relief for tea is just now being afforded to the counter staff; but it is recognised that this should be provided for in the case of the officers whose attendance is being prolonged to ten hours; and arrangements for the purpose are under consideration. The circumstances do not, in the Postmaster General's opinion, call for an extension of the existing rules touching meal reliefs, hut in special cases additional facilities are afforded as far as possible.