§ Mr. HARRISasked the Postmaster-General the number of hours extra duty worked by the regular staff, and the cost involved, by weekly averages during the last 12 months at the General Post Office; and whether, bearing in mind the low earnings of the auxiliary sorters, he will consider the advisability of creating a floating force among these men, so as to assure them a reasonable weekly wage?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL - THOMSONDuring recent months the average amount of overtime worked by sorters and postmen at the headquarters offices has been, approximately, 8,600 hours a week, equivalent to about 1¼ hours per officer employed. The weekly cost of the overtime is, approximately, £900. The amount of overtime fluctuates widely from day to day; and it would not be practicable economically to provide for it by creating a floating force of auxiliary sorters on the lines suggested by the hon. Member. Auxiliary sorters are already employed on overtime when this can conveniently be arranged, and so far as the work to be performed is proper to their grade.
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