§ 71. Captain GILMOURasked the Home Secretary whether he will give further consideration to the questions addressed to him on 14th May, 1912, with reference to the conditions of service of matrons in police stations; whether they are on duty from 4 p.m. to midnight in one week and from midnight till 10 a.m. the next, and on* alternate Sundays from 10 p.m. till 10 a.m. Monday, and receive no pension, no police medical attendance, and no pay during sickness nor during their one week's holiday; and if so, whether he can see his way to improve the position of these women, whose duties are arduous and often repulsive and dangerous?
§ Mr. McKENNAThis question has received careful consideration. The hours of attendance vary according to local circumstanes, but may be said to be approximately as stated, except that during most of the night time they are resting and are 1102 provided with beds, and that they are relieved from attendance before 10 a.m. whenever possible. Arrangements for a weekly rest day have also been made. The appointment is not pensionable, and matrons do not receive ordinary pay during sickness and annual leave, but they receive sickness benefit and medical attendance under the National Insurance Act.