§ MR. JOSEPH DEVLINTo ask MR. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that in several distilleries working all the year round throughout the United Kingdom Excise officers are required to perform duty on recognised official holidays, even Christmas Day not being excepted, while other Government officials enjoy the privilege of these holidays; and whether, seeing that the Excise officers in such places have frequently to give attendance at irregular hours, as well as performing night duty in unhealthy surroundings from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., and in view of the difficulties of these Civil servants which are not experienced in other branches of the public service, the Treasury will consider the claims of these officials to special leave in lieu of service given by them on. official holidays.
(Answered by Mr. Austen Chamberlain.) I understand the advantages enjoyed by Excise officers holding the appointments referred to by the hon. Member counterbalance the loss of certain public holidays.