§ MR. BELL (Derby)To ask the Postmaster-General if he is aware that, at the Harrogate post office, there are four rounds of duty for postmen, occupying a period of fifteen hours to do eight hours duty performed in three spells, each going on duty at 5.25 and 5.30 a.m. to 6.55, 7.0, and 7.55 a.m. respectively, then from 9.15 a.m. till 2.0 p.m., 10.20 till 12.0; 11.0 till 2.0, and 12.30 till 6.0 p.m., and from 6.30, 4.30, and 7.15 p.m. respectively till 8.15 p.m., and one from 5.0 p.m. till 8.30 p.m.; and, if so, whether in view of the Tweed-mouth Committee's recommendation that each man should have nine hours clear off duty, he will state what action he proposes to take; and whether he is aware that girls have to go on duty at 5.30 a.m.; and, if so, whether, seeing that the same Committee recommended that girls should not commence before 8.0 a.m., he will have this recommendation carried out in this office.
(Answered by Lord Stanley.) I will have inquiry made, and will communicate the result to the hon. Member. The Tweed-mouth Committee, however, made no recommendation as to the employment of female staff before 8.0 a.m.