§ Mr. BOWERMANasked the Postmaster-General whether certain season assistants employed at the Central Telegraph Office were compelled to take a day's leave on the occasion of the late King's funeral without receiving a day's pay; and whether he will consider the possibility of some relaxation of the rules which govern payment on Bank Holidays on this and other specially declared and enforced holidays?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELIn accordance with the usual practice on Bank Holidays, and days treated as such at the Central Telegraph Office, the services of certain season assistants were dispensed with on the occasion to which the hon. Member refers. Under the existing rules such officers are not entitled to any payment in respect of these days if they do no work on them until they have been employed for at least two months continuously. I regret that I should not feel justified in relaxing the rules which govern payment of wages on occasions of specially declared and enforced holidays.