§ Mr. PENNEFATHERasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the manner in which the postmaster of Lerwick is applying the official regulations; whether the rule lays it down that a meal relief shall be given on duties extending to four hours which start before 12 and finish at 2 p.m. or later; whether, in order to avoid giving the relief the postmaster altered the duty from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to 9 a.m. to 1.45 p.m., and compelled his staff to work longer than would have been the case with the 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. duty; whether he is aware that the same official sent a temporary employé to a country office on relief duty, and subsequently refused to pay her the proper allowance because she stayed with friends; and whether he will have inquiries made with a view to stopping these practices?
§ Mr. ILLINGWORTHFor some time the rule was infringed at Lerwick in the case of certain Sunday attendances owing to a misapprehension. When attention was drawn to the matter the attendances were rearranged in accordance with the regulations. On the particular attendance mentioned the duty actually performed after the revision was shorter than before. I am satisfied that the postmaster had no intention of withholding the reliefs due. I am making enquiry respecting the matter referred to in the latter part of the hon. Member's question.