§ MR. T. P. O'CONNOR (Liverpool, Scotland)To ask the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that, upon certain duties at Liverpool among the telegraphists, a period of ten minutes is allowed for tea reliefs; and whether he will consider the advisability of extending the period in the interests of the health of the staff.
(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, but I am not prepared to authorise any further extension.