HC Deb 01 May 1930 vol 238 cc342-3
15. Mr. CHATER

asked the Minister of Labour whether caretakers of Employment Exchanges are entitled to an annual holiday with pay?

Miss BONDFIELD

Caretakers of Employment Exchange premises are eligible for annual leave with pay, provided that by the taking of such leave no additional expense for substitution is occasioned to the Department.

Mr. MACKINDER

Are we to understand that they can have leave with pay if they pay people to do their work while they are away?

Miss BONDFIELD

This is an arrangement which was arrived at in 1924 between the Treasury and the Workers' Union.

Mr. MACKINDER

What exactly does it mean?

Miss BONDFIELD

It means that, if the staffs are such that the work can be rearranged among them, the worker gets leave without having to pay, but if additional staff is to be engaged, he has to pay.

Mr. MACKINDER

If there is only one member of the staff, must he provide somebody else to do the work and pay him?

Mr. SMITHERS

Does not the statement made by the right hon. Lady show that the offices are permanently overstaffed?