§ MR. WILKIE (Dundee)To ask the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that on the 18th and 19th of June, female telegraphists at Dundee were detained on duty until 9.45 p.m.; and, whether, seeing that the Hobhouse Committee recommended that work by the female staff should seldom be prolonged after 8.15 p.m., and in view of the fact that men were available, he will make inquiry with a view to preventing any unnecessary detention of the female staff.
(Answered by Mr. Sydney Buxton.) I am having inquiry made, and will acquaint the hon. Member with the result.
§ MR. SLOAN (Belfast, S.)To ask the Postmaster-General whether he can state on how many occasions during the three weeks ended the 6th June a female telegraphist at Belfast, named M'Mullan, was detained on overtime from 6 p.m. till 7 p.m. without opportunity for taking food after 2 p.m.; on how many occasions the same officer was allowed ten minutes for tea during the same period and under the same circumstances; and whether the assistant-superintendent in charge of the instrument room had authority to punish her for over-staying ten minutes on one occasion.
(Answered by Mr. Sydney Buxton.) I have no knowledge of the circumstances to which the hon. Member refers. The complaint appears to be one that should be made to and dealt with by the postmaster of Belfast.