§ Sir J. D. REESasked the Postmaster-General whether the hours of employés in the telephone factory of the General Post Office are reduced from 52 to 48 hours a week, with the corresponding loss of four hours' pay; and, if so, whether he will explain the reason for this reduction, in view of the pledge given to the effect that no employé of the National Telephone Company should suffer by the transfer to the Government?
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§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELThe hours of duty for the staff in the Nottingham factory have been reduced from 52 to 48 a week, so as to bring the staff there into line with Post Office servants doing similar work. Persons who were paid on a weekly basis will gain inasmuch as they will receive for the shorter week wages not less than they received under the National Telephone Company. Persons paid at an hourly rate will, however, be paid only for the number of hours worked, and their earnings therefore for a full week will be less. Against this, however, must be set the advantage of the shortened hours and other privileges not enjoyed under the company such as annual leave and sick pay which will be given to those continuously employed.