§ Mr. DAWESasked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been directed to the number of sick absences, due mainly to nervous complaints, among the female counter clerks and telegraphists during the year 1911; whether he is aware that, during the month of January, 1912, as many as fifty-two women out of a staff of 195 were absent for varying periods, and that during last month over fifty women were incapacitated for duty; whether he will state what additions have been made to the East Central district staff in consequence of the admitted understanding a short time since; and whether he will institute a further inquiry into the general conditions of working and the nature of the duties imposed, with a view to removing the causes of the sick absences?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELMy attention has been called to this matter. I am glad to say that apart from a small proportion of the staff who required prolonged sick leave the general health during 1911 of the female counter clerks and telegraphists employed in the East Central District was satisfactory in spite of the excessive heat experienced last summer. The amount of sick leave due to nervous ailments represented rather less than 14 per cent, of the total sick absence. The figures 52 and 50, quoted by the hon. Member, include some other officers than counter clerks and telegraphists, and are overstated by about 20 per cent. Five officers were added to the reserve staff during 1911, and the question of creating a further additional appointment is under consideration. In the circumstances, I do not think that the inquiry referred to by the hon. Member is necessary.