HC Deb 20 November 1906 vol 165 cc613-4
MR. HUDSON (Newcastle-on-Tyne)

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether in view of the many cases of excessive hours being worked on the different railways, he proposes to introduce any new and effective legislation amending the Hours Act of 1893, which will remove the onus of complaint from the men to the officers of the State Department.

* THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY TO THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. KEARLEY,) Devonport

My right hon. friend is not at present disposed to introduce a Bill transferring the initiative in this matter from the men directly concerned to a departmental official. All complaints made by men as to excessive hours are treated as confidential.