HC Deb 14 May 1919 vol 115 cc1615-6W
Viscount WOLMER

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the foremen writers were compelled to work during the four years of the War three hours' overtime every week without pay before any overtime was issued, and that the same system applied to storeholders, principal foremen, and foremen from August, 1914, to August, 1916; and whether any action will be taken in this matter?

Mr. FORSTER

Foremen writers, under their terms of service, are not entitled to extra pay for overtime; but, in view of the prolonged strain of the War, special payments have been made in respect of overtime in excess of three hours a week. The liability to give three hours, making in all forty-five hours in the week, without extra payment attaches to all writer staff. The storeholders and others work forty-eight hours a week before overtime begins to reckon. It is not proposed to make any change.