§ MR. SHACKLETON (Lancashire, Clitheroe)To ask the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that instructions have been issued at Liverpool that on such attendances as 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and noon to 8 p.m., not more than ten minutes should be granted for tea relief; and, if so, whether, in view of the fact that such a limitation does not allow sufficient time for the purpose, he will direct that the fifteen minutes hitherto granted shall be restored.
(Answered by Lord Stanley.) Under the regulations of the Department a refreshment interval of thirty minutes is provided for on the duties to which the hon. Member refers. As the hours of attendance are somewhat inconvenient as regards meal times a further short interval of ten minutes is allowed, as an act of grace, if the work admits of it, and see no reason for extending this interval.