§ MR. NANNETTI (Dublin, College Green)To ask the Postmaster General whether he is aware that the recommendation of the Tweedmouth Commission, that officers employed on split duties should have nine clear hours in their own homes, has not yet been made generally effective in the Dublin Sorting Office; and whether he will consider the entire abolition of split duties.
(Answered by Mr. Austen Chamberlain.) I am aware that it has not hitherto been practicable for the whole of the sorting staff in Dublin to have an interval of nine clear hours in their own homes; but arrangements are in progress which, under ordinary circumstances, will, I hope, provide such an interval in all cases. The work necessitates two attendances in the day for the great majority of the officers, and no alteration in this respect can be made.
§ MR. NANNETTITo ask the Postmaster General, whether he is aware that 131 in the Dublin Sorting Office this year officers called on to perform extra duty had in many cases to give a triple attendance commencing at 5 a.m. and ending at 8 p.m.; whether with such attendances there were many instances of men being sent off duty receiving as remuneration for a day's work extending over 15 hours only 1 hour 30 minutes overtime, and that officers were called on to perform such duties on an average three times a week; and will he take steps to remedy the matter.
(Answered by Mr. Austen Chamberlain.) I am aware that it has been necessary for the staff in the sorting office to give an additional, or third, attendance in certain emergencies; and in every case extra duty has been paid for in accordance with the regulations. Under the arrangements already mentioned it is hoped that a third attendance will be but seldom needed.