§ 52. Sir B. FALLEasked the Prime Minister if he is aware that the responsible officials in Government Departments work far longer hours than the ordinary clerks, male and female, permanent or temporary; if he will suggest and, if necessary, enforce that for the next year, or even two, the 'hours of work in Government offices should be 54 per week, inclusive of 1½ hours per day for dinner and tea, and that such hours for work and for meals should be rigorously observed; and if he could in this way economise the salaries of many thousands of superfluous clerks, male and female, who are now costing an impoverished country more than they are earning?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Stanley Baldwin)I am aware of the strain which falls upon the higher officials, in Government Departments. Every effort is being made to effect as rapidly as possible all feasible reductions in the staffs employed in 1174 Government Departments, but I should not regard it as practicable to impose a Regulation of the kind indicated in the hon. Member's question.