HC Deb 29 July 1913 vol 56 cc291-2
59. Mr. SNOWDEN

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what are the hours of the attendants at the Central Criminal Asylum, Dundrum, Dublin; if these men are on duty for thirteen and a half hours a day, with one day off every ninth day; and, if so, will he at once take steps to mitigate those hours, especially in view of the nature of the men's work?

Mr. BIRRELL

The inspectors of lunatics inform me that the hours of duty of attendants at Dundrum Asylum vary from day to day and from week to week. The statement that an attendant is on duty thirteen and a half hours a day, with one day off every ninth day, is, as a rough summary of his hours, fairly accurate. With regard to the latter part of the question, the inspectors point out that the duties of an asylum attendant are not, on the whole, very arduous. In most asylums a day's duty runs to from twelve to fourteen hours, and in some cases even longer. The hours in Dundrum are not exceptional, and an appreciable reduction can only be made by a large addition to the staff. The proportion of attendants to patients in Dundrum Asylum is at present amongst the highest in the United Kingdom

Mr. SNOWDEN

Seeing that the fact stated in the question connected with the working days, namely, that practically these men are off one day in nine, is correct, is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to justify the working of the men thirteen and a half hours a day for eight consecutive days?

Mr. BIRRELL

I wish to be sure of that. It all depends what you mean by "work- ing." A great deal of the work of an attendant at a lunatic asylum would not be described by my hon. Friend or myself as work. I have visited many of these asylums, and while I think it is most desirable in the interest of the men themselves-that they should have a longer period of leisure, I do not think that, although they are on duty this length of time, it is extremely hard work.

Mr. SNOWDEN

Is it not a fact that through being on duty so long they have no leisure at all? The rest of the time has to be spent in sleeping?

Mr. BIRRELL

That is where I agree with the hon. Member. If we can reduce the hours, it should be done.