HC Deb 31 March 1909 vol 3 cc319-20
Captain CRAIG

asked the Postmaster-General whether he was aware that the recent Parliamentary Committee recommended that rural telegraph sub-offices should have shorter hours on bank holidays; and whether he would give instructions that the staff of the rural telegraph sub-offices in the North of Ireland be granted a half-holiday on Easter Monday next?

Mr. BUXTON

The Parliamentary Committee recommended that attendance on bank holidays should be restricted as far as possible. The question how far it is possible to restrict hours at country telegraph offices without grave public inconvenience is engaging my attention. Offices must be considered individually, with regard to the amount of telegraph business they do, and I cannot, therefore, issue any such general instruction as my hon. Friend refers to.

Captain CRAIG

Is the Postmaster-General aware that the rural post offices in the North of Ireland are not very busy on this particular day, and will he therefore give special facilities for a holiday?

Mr. BUXTON

Each will be treated individually. I will examine the whole question, and see how far the matter can be arranged.

Captain CRAIG

There would be great difficulty in treating each of these small offices individually. Would not the right hon. Gentleman grant the small privilege of a half-holiday, which is very much desired?

Mr. BUXTON

There would be still more difficulty in treating them in the aggregate.