HC Deb 04 August 1925 vol 187 cc1145-6
24. Mr. MARCH

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has considered the effect of permanent Bummer time upon the attendances of the 50 porters in the inland section whose duties commence at 4 a.m.; whether he is aware that in order to take up duty at that time it is necessary for these men to rise at 2.30 a.m.; and whether he will examine the work of the office in order to explore the possibility of a rearrangement of attendances?

Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSON

The arrangement of these duties is frequently reviewed. The number has been reduced from 62 to 50 within the last two years, but no further reduction is at present practicable. I am informed that no diffi-

Act. Nature of Expenditure. Amount of Expenditure.
Direct Budget Charges.
Administration of Justice. Additional Judge £5,000 a year (and pension of £3,500 a year). The Act also provides for reducing expenditure by dispensing with Assizes when there is no substantial amount of business to be transacted.
Air Ministry (Cattewater Seaplane Station). (a) Acquisition of land £15,000.
(b) Maintenance of breakwater and light. £500 a year.
(c) Construction of a road £1,500.
Air Ministry (Croydon Aerodrame Extension). Acquisition of land, execution of works and payment of compensation. £71,500.
British Sugar (Subsidy) Subsidy for 10 years, on a diminishing scale, on sugar and molasses manufactured in Great Britain from home grown beet, offset to the extent of half the subsidy by reimposition of Excise duty. Net expenditure estimated at £265,000 in 1924–25 and £500,000 in 1926–27; estimates for later years cannot be given.
Criminal Justice Contributions towards expenditure by Local Authorities on Probation system. £22,250 in 1924–25; £40,000 in 1925–20; and £50,000 a year when scheme is in full operation.
(NOTE.—It is anticipated that this expenditure will eventually lead to a substantial decrease in expenditure on Prisons.)

culty is experienced in obtaining volunteers for these duties.