§ 41. Sir FRANK SANDERSONasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that a class of telephone operators known as night attendants is in many provincial exchanges employed at a wage which works out at 5¾d. an hour for 85 hours a week, seven nights a week; and whether, in view of the fact that the work done by these night attendants is in most instances identical with the work of night operators, which is paid at more than double that rate, he will consider revising the rates of pay and hours of working of telephone night attendants?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONNight attendants are only employed at smaller exchanges, where the traffic is light and calls after 11p.m. are relatively rare. 1790 A bell is provided to arouse the attendant when the exchange is called, and he is not expected to remain awake throughout the night. The work is not identical with that of night telephonists, who are required to give continuous attention. The rates of night attendants were revised three years ago on a basis which made allowance for the special circumstances of their case; and I do not consider that any further revision is necessary.
§ Sir F. SANDERSONMay I give my right hon. Friend the names of the persons to whom I refer, and, if I do, may I have an assurance that they will not be penalised?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONCertainly.
§ Mr. R. MORRISONIs it understood in the Department that these operators working 85 hours a week can, if they like, go to sleep during their working hours?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONThat is what the bell is provided for.
§ Mr. MORRISONIs there any sleeping accommodation provided for them?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONYes.
§ Mr. PALINGHas the fact that the employés in Government Departments are working these terribly long hours anything to do with the reluctance of the Government to passing the 48-hours' week?