HC Deb 24 May 1921 vol 142 cc16-7
32. Mr. MILLS

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware that attendants in the Serjeant-at-Arms' Department of the House of Commons were on duty until 4.45 a.m. on 12th May; that no extra remuneration is paid to this staff for these extra services; and that they are required to be on duty with the calling of any Committee of this House; i.e., 11 a.m.; and will he consider the necessity for a review of these conditions of labour?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Hilton Young)

A system of reliefs is in operation throughout all the sittings of the House, but no extra remuneration is given to messengers and others employed in the department of the Serjeant-at-Arms for late sittings of the House. If the House sit after 5 a.m., an allowance of 5s. for refreshments is made to those on duty. When possible, messengers who have been on duty during a late sitting are excused attendance on Committees of the House on the following morning, the Committee duties being performed by messengers who have not been on late duty.

Mr. MILLS

Will the Department reconsider these terms of employment so as to make them somewhat in equity with the other conditions of employment in and about the Chamber?

Mr. YOUNG

I do not think there is any case for a reconsideration of the terms of employment.

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