§ 8. Mr. MATHERSasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the new working hours of the staff at the criminal lunatic asylum at Perth were introduced when there was no permanent secretary in charge of the Prison Department; whether he is satisfied that the protest made by the staff against the extended daily working hours on alternate weeks and irregular meal times is adequately met by cancelling the day off duty per week and arranging an eight-hour day; and whether he will consider the welfare of the staff as well as the needs of the inmates?
§ Sir G. COLLINSThe present working hours were initiated by the late Secretary of the Prisons Department, but came into operation after his death. Since the present arrangements became operative in January last no representation has been made by the staff, and no change in the arrangements has been made. As stated on the 27th February, in my reply to a question by the hon. Member for Govan (Mr. N. Maclean), if any representations are made by the staff they will be carefully considered.