HC Deb 07 November 1912 vol 43 cc1476-7W
Mr. WILES

asked the Postmaster-General if his attention has been called to the fact that a plebiscite of the femals staff at the West Kensington Savings Bank branch was taken by his officials on the 31st October last as to their hours of attendance; and, if so, whether he will state if he intends to disturb the arrangement that has been in force and mutually agreed since the transfer of this department to West Kensington?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

The question whether any improvement can be made in the hours of attendance of the general body of women sorters employed at the Savings Bank is now under consideration. Should any general change be found possible, every endeavour will be made to avoid disturbing the exceptional arrangements agreed to in favour of a few officers.

Mr. WILES

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that the standard of work for voluntary extra duty performed by women at the Postal Order branch has recently been raised considerably above the standard rate of work required during the day; and whether, having regard to the amount of extra duty which has been necessary during the past eighteen months at this branch, he will consider the advisability of permanently increasing the staff?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

The work given out to the women sorters during the ordinary period of duty is of a mixed nature. For the purposes of extra duty, however, each block of work is given out to be performed at a rate appropriate to its character, and the standard rate for the easier work is of course higher than the average rate for the work taken as a whole. It is in respect of the easier work that the standard has recently been raised, in order that there may not be actual waste of time, and there is no reason for supposing that the alteration imposes strain on the staff. The extra duty is performed by volunteers, and the necessity for it is due to an exceptional number of vacancies arising from promotions and transfers. The vacancies are being filled as quickly as possible, and there is no occasion for any permanent addition to the establishment.