§ 21. Mr. NAYLORasked the Secretary for Mines the number of hours per week normally worked by members of his Departmental staff; what proportion of the staff are entitled to holidays in excess of four weeks per annum; and the maximum period of annual holiday allowed in the higher grades?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Colonel Lane Fox)The minimum hours worked by the staff of the Mines Department are those fixed for the Civil Service generally—42 per week with a half holiday on Saturday if the state of the work permits. One-fifth of the staff at headquarters are entitled, subject to the exigencies of the public service, to holidays in excess of four weeks per annum. The maximum period of annual leave allowed to the higher grades is 48 days. In the conditions which have existed in the last few years, however, it has not been possible to pay much attention to these minimum hours of attendance and maximum periods of leave owing to the amount of work which has fallen on the staff.
§ Mr. WESTWOODWill the right hon. and gallant Gentleman do his best during his tenure of office to get the same hours for people down the mines as are worked by those in the Mines Department, and the same number of holidays with pay?
§ 23. Mr. LUNNasked the Secretary for Mines the name of the new medical adviser to the Mine Department and his qualifications to enable him to deal with the various diseases peculiar to the mining industry?
§ Colonel LANE FOXThe last date for receiving applications for this appointment is 31st July, and after that the qualifications of the applicants must be carefully considered. The appointment cannot, therefore, be made for some time, but will be announced as soon as possible.
§ Mr. LUNNIf I put a question down for the first day after the Recess, does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman think he will be able to give me a reply then?
§ Colonel LANE FOXOh. yes, certainly.
§ Sir FREDRIC WISEIs this a new appointment?
§ Colonel LANE FOXYes.