HC Deb 11 March 1919 vol 113 cc1129-30W
Sir K. WOOD

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the women in the Savings Bank Department have for several years past been working ten hours a day with an interval of fifty minutes only for meal time; and whether any steps have been taken to deal with this matter and also to appoint representatives of such Departments on a Whitley council?

Mr. ILLINGWORTH

The pressure of work in the Savings Bank Department is still heavy, notably in connection with the payment of gratuities to demobilised men of the Navy and Army. The overtime performed by women clerks is now restricted to twelve hours a week, and every effort is being made to restore normal conditions. There should in any case be a material improvement when the special causes of the present pressure have ceased to operate. The application of the Whitley scheme to the non-industrial staffs of Government offices is under consideration.