HC Deb 15 March 1912 vol 35 cc1499-500W
Mr. TYSON WILSON

asked the Postmaster-General whether telegraphists in the Central Telegraph Office performing duty from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. are only allowed twenty minutes meal relief between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m.; whether officers, who have performed a duty Of 8 p.m. till midnight are informed that no meal relief is allowed; whether the staff which regularly performs duty from 5 p.m. to 1.45 a.m. are only allowed twenty minutes meal relief; and, if so, whether he will inquire into the need for an extension of the periods which shall be in keeping with the men's actual necessities and their hours of duty?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

I have inquired into the meal relief arrangements on the "late duties" in the Central Telegraph Office, and find that the long night duties were introduced some years ago, at the request of a six to one majority of the staff, on the understanding that no meal reliefs would be afforded on them. Under the recent alterations a meal relief of twenty minutes has been conceded, and I am assured that it is sufficiently long. I do not consider that officers on duties beginning at 8 p.m. and ending at midnight need meal reliefs. Officers on the 5 p.m. to 1.45 a.m. duties are given a free tea and a supper relief of twenty minutes.