§ Mr. JOHN HOPEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he was aware that the signalmen on the North British Railway main line between Berwick and Edinburgh, on the section between Reston and Drem, were working on a twelve-hours' shift for a wage of from 21s. to 23s. a week; and whether, in the interest of the safety of the travelling public he would take steps to compel the North British Railway Company to reduce these hours of labour?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Tennant)No complaint respecting the hours of labour of these signalmen has been made to the Board of Trade during recent years, but I will call for a return from the railway company showing the hours of work and the nature of the duties of the men at the signal cabins on the section of line mentioned by my hon. Friend. When the return has been received, the Board of Trade will consider whether any steps in the direction he suggests are necessary.