§ 92. Mr. DUNCANasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the officials of his Department have refused to discuss with the union representatives of the coal porters a complaint concerning their being put to work a normal week of 56 hours: whether the normal week for this class of employé is 48 hours by agreement with the Treasury; and whether he will take steps to see that these complaints are dealt with?
§ Major BARNSTON (Comptroller of the Household)I have been asked to reply. Representations from the coal porters in my right hon. Friend's Department regarding their working; hours have been discussed by the Departmental Whitley Council, on which the coal porters are represented. The working week of the men concerned is not 56 but 48 hours (or 44 if the state of business permits of a half-holiday on Saturday), exclusive of meal times. The working week of this class of employé, as fixed by agreement between the Treasury and the Workers' Union, does not normally include meal times. My 2027 right hon. Friend is satisfied that there has been no breach of the agreement so far as his Department is concerned, and he sees no reason to take any further action unless the matter is again brought forward by the men's representatives on the Departmental Whitley Council.