HC Deb 03 May 1920 vol 128 cc1695-6
35. Mr. WILLIAM SHAW

asked the Prime Minister whether a 48-hours' working week is the rule in Government offices; and, if this is not so, would he arrange to bring the working week up to the 48-hours' standard, so that the number of officials in Government offices may be decreased and labour released for commercial and productive enterprises?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Baldwin)

The hours of attendance of the temporary staff of Government offices, to whom my hon. Friend's question appears to refer, have been fixed in accordance with departmental requirements at 48, 44 or 42, rates of pay being assessed accordingly; and overtime is worked as may be necessary from time to time. I do not consider that it would be desirable to establish an uniform 48-hour week.

Mr. SHAW

May I ask whether the Committee on National Expenditure will inquire into this question of the hours in Government offices?

Mr. BILLING

May I ask whether, in the case of a 42-hour week, overtime is paid on the 42 hours, or have 48 hours to be worked before overtime is paid?

Mr. BALDWIN

To the best of my recollection all rates are inclusive and are arranged with the staff side of the Civil Service. The bulk of the employés are on the 44-hour rate.

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