§ Mr. DUNCANasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the duty paid messengers in he Admiralty are compelled to work 54 hours per week before overtime rates are paid, and that messengers' hours are regulated by a signed agreement with the Treasury on the basis of overtime rates of pay after 48 hours; and whether he will look into this matter and arrange to meet the men's representatives to discuss it, with a view to these duty pay messengers receiving the conditions laid down by agreement?
§ Commander EYRES-MONSELLI have been asked to reply. The principle of a 48-hours week for unestablished messengers is generally accepted, but in the case of those in receipt of duty pay allowances, overtime is only paid for hours worked in excess of 54 per week, since the allowances are regarded as covering, if necessary, a certain amount of overtime duty. Special concessions in regard to overtime were made during the War period, but these were expressly limited to that period, and were made without prejudice to further consideration at the end of the War. The question of the pay-2082W ment of overtime to messengers with duty pay allowances (the number of which is strictly limited) has already been the subject of discussion with the representatives of the men, and they have recently been informed that, should they so desire, the Admiralty will be prepared to receive a further deputation on the matter.