§ Dr. SALTERasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that men living in Central London (e.g., in Bermondsey) are employed on relief works constructing the new by-pass road between Bexley and Crayford, that these men have in many cases to leave home at 4.30 a.m. in order to catch the only trains available to enable them to reach their work in time, that they cannot return to their homes until between 7.30 and 8 p.m., and that they are now being required to work overtime; and whether, under these circumstances, he will give instructions that these men are not to be penalised if they refuse to do overtime, in view of the fact that they will be away from their families for between 17 and 18 hours per day?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MOORE-BRABAZONI have been asked to reply. I am unable to accept the statements contained in the first part of the hon. Member's question, which are not in accordance with the information at my disposal. As regards the last part, I am informed that overtime, for which provision is made under the terms of the contract, has been limited to a very small number of men—approximately 30—and I understand that in no case has there been a refusal to work the additional hour.