§ 66. Mr. Kirbyasked the Minister of Information the number of hours normally worked per week by the clerical and languages staff at the offices of the Postal Censorship, Liverpool; whether there is a high degree of sickness due to bad conditions and overwork among these sections of the staff; and how many were absent from work due to sickness on 1st March, 1943?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Information (Mr. Thurtle)The number of hours at present normally worked per week in postal censorship at Liverpool is 46½ by the clerical grades and 44 by the censorship grades. The sickness rate is not considered high in view of the time of year and the high average age of the staff, nor is it regarded as in any way attributable to bad conditions or overwork. The number of staff absent sick on 1st March, 1943, was 23 in the clerical and 129 in the censorship grades.
§ Mr. KirbyIs it not the case that in the winter there have been anything between 200 and 400 persons absent on account of sickness, and will my hon. Friend look further into the matter?
§ Mr. ThurtleAs I understand it, the sickness rates are not abnormal, and I am assured that the working conditions are quite satisfactory, but if my hon. Friend has any particular point which is causing him misgiving, if he will let me know about it I will have inquiries made.