§ Mr. BOWERMANasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the recent alteration in the hours of attendance of night telephonists in London from 9.15 p.m. to 8 a.m; whether he can state the reason for this alteration, under which the men will still perform 54 hours per week; and whether he is aware that the recommendation of the Hobhouse Committee that women should not as a rule be employed later than 8.15 p.m. is set aside as a result of the alteration referred to?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELNo general alteration has been made. At three Exchanges I have found it necessary to maintain, until the end of the year, the arrangements made by the National Telephone Company for attendance of women up to 10.30 p.m., and at the new Regent Exchange I am provisionally keeping women on duty until 9.15. The whole question is receiving consideration.