HC Deb 28 July 1913 vol 56 cc59-60W
Mr. O'GRADY

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that it is proposed to introduce casual labour into the Hull telephone service to perform a duty from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m., and from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. daily; whether, in view of the fact that these men must perform other employment during the day-time and that the length of time over which their working hours will extend will affect the performance of these duties, and having regard to the fact that the questions of casual labour and night telephone operating are at present under consideration by the Select Committee of Inquiry into the Post Office, he will suspend the operation of these proposals until the Committee has reported?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

The hours referred to fall within those usually assigned to the night staff, and it is the general practice for night operating to be performed by an unestablished class of male night operators. I am not prepared to restrict the employment of this class pending the Report of the Select Committee. I propose to inquire, however, whether it is possible to improve the hours of attendance to which the hon. Member refers.