§ Mr. JOWETTasked the. Prime Minister whether he is aware that, in consequence of the recent lengthy sittings of the House, the hours of duty of the permanent officials and attendants have been prolonged almost to the limits of human endurance, and that in one or more cases only two hours' rest was possible between Monday morning and Wednesday evening last; and if he will make arrangements to prevent the possibility of such long periods of duty in future?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am informed that when the sittings of the House are prolonged beyond the ordinary limits, a system of reliefs come into operation in order to lessen, as far as possible, the strain put upon the messengers and attendants by the long hours on which they have to be on duty. As regards the police, my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has already stated that when extra duties, as in the case of long sittings, have, to be performed, the extra hours spent on duty are recognised by the grant of equivalent time in the shape of "time off" duty on other occasions, and also of "special leave." There is no special system of relief. The grant of equivalent "time off" frequently enables the police to obtain good week-end holidays, which they could not otherwise enjoy.
§ Mr. JOWETTCannot arrangements be made so that during all night sittings the police may be supplied with refreshments at the public expense?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat question should be addressed to the Home Secretary.
§ Mr. JOWETTWill precautions be taken to prevent a recurrence of the condition of things stated in the question?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am not in a position to give a guarantee that these things will not recur, but every precaution will be taken.