§ MR. HAYI beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether he is aware that the Controller of the London postal service has recently refused to grant an interview to three sorters of the East Central Section who, on behalf of the men affected, desired to protest against an alteration of meal times, which they allege is detrimental to the health and efficiency of the staff; whether he will issue instructions that the complaints of the men may be considered; and whether the official medical officer was consulted before the alterations were made.
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINYes, Sir, the Controller declined to grant an interview to the officers referred to because their complaint was already clearly understood. In the reply which was given to the complaint it was expressly stated that all the facts were fully known and that, for that reason, no interview was necessary. The alteration of meal times was called for by the requirements of the public service, inasmuch as, under the old arrangement, the men were absent from duty at a time when their services were most urgently required. The general effect, so far as the men are concerned, has been to advance their interval for tea from 5–5.30 p.m. to 4–4.30 p.m., and it cannot be admitted that such a change is detrimental to health or such as to necessitate reference to the medical officer.