HC Deb 08 March 1917 vol 91 c558
53. Mr. WATT

asked the Postmaster-General whether instructions have been given by his Department to close post offices throughout the country for two hours in the middle of the day; if so, is he aware of the inconvenience caused to the public by this arrangement; and will he consider the advisability of arranging for the dinner-hour to be provided for by shifts, some going at one time and some at another, as in other Government Departments?

The ASSISTANT POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Pike Pease)

Many post offices have been closed for a period of an hour or more in the middle of the day, except for telegraph business, since staffing difficulties become acute, and my right hon. Friend is satisfied that this arrangement, while causing no serious inconvenience to the public, is amply justified by the advantages gained. The interval could only be covered by providing additional staff or imposing overtime, sometimes excessive in amount, on the existing staff. The latter alternative is undesirable, and the former in many cases impracticable.

Mr. WATT

Does the right hon. Gentleman say "the dinner hour," or is it that the offices are closed for one or two hours?

Mr. PIKE PEASE

I am not quite sure to which post office the hon. Gentleman refers, but in many cases it is two hours.

Mr. D. MILLAR

Will the hon. Gentleman consult the convenience and wishes of each particular district as to the particular hours which would suit them best, and give effect to representations which have been received from various districts on this point?

Mr. PIKE PEASE

I am sure my right hon. Friend would be pleased to receive any representations in regard to the matter.