§ Mr. WARDLEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that in 1906 the Port Talbot Railway and Docks Company and the Rhondda and Swansea Bay Railway Company entered into a private agreement with the Great Western Railway Company which gives the latter company running powers over the two former railways; that the Great Western Railway Company now has full control of the two other lines and consequently many men have been dismissed 2316 and changes made in the conditions of employment; and whether, in view of the alterations which have resulted from this agreement, he will again approach the companies and endeavour to persuade them to allow the same to be laid upon the Table of the House?
Mr. TENNANTI am aware of the existence of the agreements referred to, which have been in operation for more than two years; but the Board of Trade have received no complaints respecting their effect upon conditions of employment. I do not think the Board of Trade could usefully communicate further with the companies on the matter, as suggested by the hon. Member.
§ Mr. WARDLEIf a primâ facie case of illegality in this working agreement is made out, will the hon. Gentleman take action?
Mr. TENNANTIf there is any illegality we shall naturally do what is proper. This working agreement has been in operation for more than two years, and there has been no complaint. There is no reason to believe that any of the recent discharges are due to it.
§ Mr. P. CURRANMay I ask what powers the hon. Gentleman's Department has to compel a large company to carry out the conditions laid down by small companies with regard to their employés prior to the large company having taken those lines over?
Mr. TENNANTI think the hon. Gentleman might give me notice of that question. It involves a knowledge of several Acts, some of which contain more than 100 clauses.
§ Mr. WARDLEIf these agreements continue to remain secret, how can the Board of Trade tell whether they are illegal or not?