§ Mr. GLANVILLEasked the Postmaster-General the number of hours overtime worked by sorters in the Foreign section, and the cost of the same, during the months of April, May, and June, respectively; also whether he is aware that on the nights of Friday, 23rd June and 30th June, men who had been on duty since five a.m. were compelled to stay till ten p.m., in spite of the fact that they were due to attend for duty at five a.m. the next day; and would he arrange for the staff to be increased sufficiently to obviate such methods?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELThe particulars asked for with regard to overtime recently performed by sorters in the Foreign section of the London Postal Service are as follows:—
With reference to the abnormal attendance given by some of the sorters on Friday, 23rd June, and Friday, 30th June, I would point out that the former day was the date of the Royal Progress, whilst the latter was the last day of the month, quarter and half-year. The 1497W pressure of work on both occasions was altogether exceptional, and can hardly be regarded as reason for increasing the permanent staff. A revision of the staff is, however, now under consideration, and Treasury sanction has recently been obtained for a provisional increase of force.
No. of hours. Cost. April … … 12,618 £811 May … … 12,559 £830 June … … 19,316 £1,192