§ Mr. DENNISONasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that in some industries a large amount of overtime is being worked by the operatives without regard to the fact that many persons are vainly seeking employment; and whether he will consider the advisability of issuing a public appeal to employers in general in favour of limiting overtime in order to absorb as many workmen as possible?
§ Mr. BETTERTONI agree that it is desirable in the general interests that wherever economically practicable additional workpeople should be engaged rather than that a smaller number should work overtime. I have no evidence that overtime is being worked to any large extent in cases where it might reasonably be avoided, and there is, I think,1060W no sufficient occasion for a public appeal; but this question and answer will perhaps serve to call attention to the point.