§ Mr. CLYNESasked the Postmaster-General whether a scheme is now under consideration for the extension of the hours of female telephonists whereby those now employed between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. will be liable for duty between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m.; and whether, in view of the recommendations of the Hobhouse Committee and the fact that a Select Committee is now sitting on the conditions of postal servants, he will direct that any such scheme shall be withdrawn pending the decisions of the latter Committee?
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§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELAs I have already stated in this House, in consequence of difficulties to which the rigid application of the Hobhouse recommendations respecting the employment of women would have given rise, it was decided as far back as 1908 that, where circumstances were favourable and the arrangement generally convenient, the hours of women's attendance might be extended to 9.15 p.m. The Hobhouse Committee specifically refrained from making any recommendations as to early morning duties, and it has long been the practice to employ women in the Post Office before 8 a.m. in a small number of cases where circumstances point to that course. There is no fresh scheme in contemplation.