§ 71. Mr. H. W. WALLACEasked the First Commissioner of Works the number of porters and packers at present in the direct employment of the Office of Works, Supplies Division; the number in July, 1914; what period of annual leave was granted in 1914; what period is now 39 granted; and whether the question of increasing the annual leave is being considered?
§ Mr. LANSBURYThere are 62 porter-packers employed at present. The number in July 1914, when the work was mostly done by contract, was 17. In 1914 the men were granted nine days leave and two public holidays. This was changed for new entrants to six days annual leave and six public holidays. An increase in the number of days holiday for these workers is a matter which concerns other public Departments and would have to be considered and decided for the whole service.
§ Mr. WALLACEIs the question of increasing them being considered?
§ Mr. LANSBURYIt can only be considered in relation to the workers in other Departments.
§ Mr. WALLACEIs it proposed to consider increasing them?
§ Mr. LANSBURYI think that it would be better to put down a question to the Treasury on that point.
§ 73. Mr. KELLYasked the First Commissioner of Works the number of men and women discharged by the Office of Works during the last three months?
§ Mr. LANSBURYThe total number discharged in the period stated has been 356, including 209 relief workers in the Royal Parks, on the exhaustion of the Unemployment Relief Funds, 90 stokers at the end of the heating season and 57 others temporarily employed for certain works which have been completed.