HC Deb 31 July 1936 vol 315 cc1859-60
10. Mr. MATHERS

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland, on what date he received the petition forwarded to him through the Prison Officers' Representative Board on behalf of the staff of the criminal lunatic asylum, Perth, appealing against an extension of the daily working hours on alternate weeks and the irregular meal times; and for what reasons the department entered into negotiations with the authorities at Perth suggesting other working hours, ignoring the board?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

A petition relative to the hours of duty at the Criminal Lunatic Department, Perth, was received by my right hon. Friend on 25th April. This was a petition on behalf of the staff of that Department, and was not an official communication from the Prison Officers' Representative Board. The working hours now in force were suggested by the staff themselves, and were approved by the Prisons Department in the ordinary course of prison administration.

Mr. MATHERS

Does not this impinge upon the rights and duties of the Board, and, in view of the fact that I received an answer yesterday to the effect that the Board was functioning properly, is this the best way in which to get the best results from the Board?

Lieut-Colonel COLVILLE

I do not think it impinges on the rights of the Board, and I understand that the arrangements are regarded as satisfactory.