§ Mr. Hicksasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the large amount of overtime that is being worked on Government hutting contracts; and whether it is proposed to take any action in the matter?
§ Mr. E. BrownI have no comprehensive information as to the amount of such overtime but I have no doubt that in certain cases it is considerable. It is the desire of the Government that effect should be given to the agreement existing in the building industry for the regulation of normal working hours and overtime. The ill effects of excessive overtime as regards both the health and the efficiency of the workers are recognised. At the present time, some degree of overtime on hutting contracts is unavoidable but in all the circumstances it seems clear that the object of the agreement in the industry would be promoted by a specific limitation of maximum hours. The Government have decided, therefore, that steps should be taken to ensure that where it is necessary to exceed normal hours the total working hours should not be more than a maximum of 60 in the week; and that this limit should be exceeded only to meet sudden and unforeseen emergencies.