§ MR. JAMES O'CONNOR (Wicklow, W.)On behalf of the lion. Member for the College Green Division of Dublin, I beg to ask the Postmaster-General, is he aware that telegraphists who were engaged at the Grand Stand, Bally shannon Cross Roads, in connection with the motor race on the 2nd inst., 543 having performed a full day's duty at the head office, Dublin, on the 1st inst., which in some cases terminated after 8 p.m., were called upon to leave headquarters for the Grand Stand at 2.30 a.m. on 92nd inst., and did not return to headquarters until 5.30 a.m. on 3rd inst., thus performing twenty-seven consecutive hours duty; that no arrangements were made to enable them to obtain rest or refreshment during that time; and, if so, will he take steps to prevent the recurrence of similar circumstances.
§ THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Mr. ELLIOT, Durham)The Postmaster-General has asked me to read his answer. The hon. Member has been misinformed as to the facts. The telegraphists sent to Ballyshannon on the 2nd performed their day's duty at Dublin on theist in the ordinary course, but only one of them was working after 8 p.m. and his duty terminated at 8.10. He willingly accepted the engagement for Ballysannon. The staff had intervals for refreshment between 6 and 7 a.m., between 12 noon and 1 p.m., and a short interval before 6 p.m., and in addition occasional reliefs for refreshment and short periods of rest were arranged for throughout the day. After 10 p.m., when the bulk of the work was done, there was no difficulty in regard to rest and refreshment.