Mr. MALONEasked the Postmaster-General how many medical certificates of exemption from overtime were in force on 1st January, 1927, 1st July, 1927, and 1st January, 1928, respectively; how often such a certificate is required; whether the officers concerned have in many cases to obtain the certificate at their own expense; and whether, in any such case, they have been compelled to have the certificate ratified by the Post Office medical officer?
§ Viscount WOLMERI regret that the figures required by the hon. Member are not available for the whole of the Post Office, but if he desires figures for the Money Order Department, as might be inferred from subsequent questions, the information is as follows:—There were no certificates of exemption from overtime in force on 1st January, 1927; there were 11 in force on the 1st July, 1927, and 19 on 1st January, 1928. The 1547W frequency with which such certificates have to be renewed depends primarily on the terms of the certificate. Seventy-five per cent. of the exemptions are recommended by the Post Office medical officers without expense to the officers concerned. The remaining exemptions are based on certificates from private medical attendants, and are subject to review by the Post Office medical officer.