§ Mr. ALDENasked the Secretary to the Treasury if he will state what is the average number of days per month that overtime is performed for the preparation of the Monthly Board of Trade Returns in the British and Irish Export Branch of the Customs Statistical Office; on how many days has overtime been performed during the months of May and June, 1911, respectively; what is the reason this branch has been understaffed for a considerable period; and when will such additional staff be granted to this branch as will allow the present monthly overtime to revert to normal conditions?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEThe average for the past year is slightly over seven days per month. The number of days for May, 1911, was six, and for June thirteen, the increase being due to arrears caused by the three public holidays which occurred in the latter month. The question of additional staff has been delayed pending the settlement of certain departmental changes which would affect the work of the office generally, but it is now under consideration.