§ MR. CLAUDE HAY (Shoreditch, Hoxton)I beg to ask the Postmaster-General, whether he is aware that the practice of working beyond the prescribed hours in the Secretary's office has become usual, arising from pressure of work; whether two members of the staff of this office are at present absent on prolonged sick absence through nervous breakdown arising from overwork; whether the chief medical officer has made any report to him upon the subject; and, if the chief 680 medical officer has not reported, why he has not reported, and, it he has reported, what steps the Postmaster-General intends to take.
§ MR. SYDNEY BUXTONI am aware that there has been great pressure of work in several branches of the Secretary's office for some time past, mainly in connection with the recent Select Committee on Post Office Servants and the changes which are now being carried out in consequence of its Report; and I highly appreciate the zeal and willingness with which the staff of that office of all grades have met the demands upon them. No members of the staff are at present away on prolonged sick absence from the causes stated, and, in any case, it would not be part of the duty of the chief medical officer to have cognisance of such a case, if one existed.
§ MR. CLAUDE HAYHave any officers been absent on sick leave, having broken down through over-work.
§ MR. SYDNEY BUXTONFrom time to time officers are absent through illness, but I am glad to say none are at present.
§ MR. CLAUDE HAYHave they recently been?
[No Answer was returned.]