HC Deb 21 July 1910 vol 19 cc1451-2
Mr. J. H. THOMAS (Derby)

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade a question of which I have given him private notice:—Whether his attention has been called to the difficulty experienced by the employés of certain railway companies in obtaining an authoritative interpretation of the provisions of an arbitrator's award as to the meaning of which there is disagreement between them and the companies; whether any means exist under the Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme, signed by the Board of Trade in 1907, of removing this difficulty, which is causing growing dissatisfaction and imperilling the future success of the Scheme; and whether he can take any steps in the matter?

Mr. SYDNEY BUXTON

My attention has been called to this matter, the importance of which I fully recognise. In my opinion, the point put to me by my hon. Friend can be raised, under the 1907 Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme, on a question of interpretation of certain words of that Scheme, and it would probably be most convenient to all concerned that it should be raised in this manner, so that an authoritative decision may be arrived at after the parties have been heard.

Mr. J. H. THOMAS

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that a resolution has been recently passed condemning the scheme in consequence of the absolute refusal on the part of the railway companies to call the Conciliation Boards together, and whether, having regard to the danger arising out of this action, he will consider it necessary to take immediate steps and make representations to the companies?

Mr. SYDNEY BUXTON

I will certainly give immediate consideration to any representations made under the terms of my previous answer.

Sir F. BANBURY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Great Northern Railway Company informed their men that if they liked to bring an action in the High Court, the Company would pay all the expenses of the men whether they won or lost.

Mr. J. H. THOMAS

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers that, may I ask whether he is aware that if any action were taken in the High Court as suggested by the hon. Member, it would destroy the whole principle of the Scheme as set out?

Mr. SYDNEY BUXTON

As, if the question is raised, I shall have to carefully consider it, I would rather not give an answer either to that or to the other question; but, if a decision can be arrived at under the scheme itself, I think we should all agree that that would be more expeditious and economical than taking legal proceedings.