HC Deb 17 November 1919 vol 121 cc642-3W
Mr. CROOKS

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that two hall-maids employed in the Royal Hibernian Military School, Phoenix Park, Dublin, have not been granted the half-day holiday per week which was conceded some time ago to the other women employés known as charwomen; that these two hall-maids work seven days a week to the extent of about seventy hours; that they have now been informed that they will either have to live in or take their discharge; that one of them is a widow with two children; and whether he will take steps to have equal treatment accorded to them and countermand the decision that they will have to live in or be discharged?

Mr. FORSTER

The work required from these hall-maids at this school must necessarily be done early in the morning and late in the evening. If outdoor staff are employed, this leads to long hours, and renders it impossible to arrange satisfactorily for a weekly half-holiday; it has consequently been decided to substitute indoor staff.