HC Deb 17 December 1956 vol 562 cc924-5
43. Mr. Houghton

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what hours of work are in operation in regional offices of his Department; how many staff are required to work on Sundays; whether any staff are to be required to work on Christmas Day; and what discussion has taken place on the Departmental Whitley Council on working conditions generally in the present emergency.

Mr. Aubrey Jones

Officials in my regional petroleum offices are working on average 55 hours, and exceptionally 60 hours, a week compared with the normal for regional offices of 44. Sunday working is being avoided where possible, but has been necessary for some 200 out of the total staff of 1,750; none will be on duty on Christmas Day. There has been close contact between the Staff and Official Sides of the Departmental Whitley Council throughout the present emergency.

Mr. Houghton

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that most of the improvised staffs he has in regional offices have no desire to serve there; they do not belong there and they have no future there? Can he give any indication of some easement of this exacting condition about "press gang" staffs?

Mr. Jones

I appreciate fully the considerations which the hon. Gentleman has adduced. This is a difficulty. None the less, we are in a state of emergency—[HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."] Well, yes we are. Hon. Gentlemen cannot complain, on the one hand, about applications not being dealt with speedily enough and, on the other, that the staffs are being overworked.