HC Deb 18 March 1919 vol 113 cc1920-1
108. Mr. STOKER

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that, additional to their ordinary hours of work, female telegraph operators are liable, without option, to work compulsory over time; and whether, having regard to the arduous character of their occupation and the consequent strain on their health, he will issue an order making in future the working of overtime optional on the part of female operators?

Mr. ILLINGWORTH

Women telegraphists, in common with all other Post Office classes, may be called upon to perform overtime when occasion arises. It is, however, the practice to grant exemption when the Department's medical officer so recommends. I regret that it would not be consistent with the interests and requirements of the Service to issue an order in the sense which the hon. Member suggests, but I hope that with the return of telegraphists from the Army the amount of overtime will be considerably reduced, in which ease the necessity for requiring women to perform compulsory overtime will largely disappear.