HC Deb 21 June 1928 vol 218 cc1791-2W
Miss WILKINSON

asked the Postmaster-General whether, seeing that it has been found necessary, owing to the introduction of machinery into the women's branches of the Savings Bank Department, to work a double shift in the machine sections and to require some of the women staff to attend from 12 to 7 p.m., and in view of the excessive pressure of work which has been imposed on the women staff in the Savings Bank during the last two years owing to the introduction of machinery, he will obtain a sufficiently large number of machines to obviate the attendance of clerks during the summer evenings?

Sir W. MITCHELL - THOMSON

Except on four days in May, no late shifts have been necessary since January, and it is not expected that any more will be necessary until November. The pressure in May and November, which is due to payment of dividends on War Stock, is of short duration, and the provision of additional machines, which would be idle for the greater part of the year, would not be justified.