§ Mr. JOWETTasked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been drawn to the excessive number of hours worked by some of the engine drivers and firemen employed by the Great Northern 1044 Railway Company at Bradford and Ardsley, and, if not, whether, having regard to the recent railway disasters and the alleged increasing reluctance of the men employed by railway companies to make complaints regarding their hours of labour on account of the risk they run of incurring the displeasure of those who are in authority over them, he will make inquiries into the matter through his inspectors?
Mr. BUXTONThe Board of Trade have not received any recent complaints on this subject. But, as my hon. Friend is aware, if representations are made to the Department by or on behalf of the servants concerned they will be carefully considered and dealt with under the Railway Regulation Act, 1893. In dealing with such representations it is the Board's practice to keep the source of the complaints entirely confidential, and there can, therefore, be no valid reason for the alleged reluctance of the men to make complaints.
An HON. MEMBERMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he is giving special attention to the hours of workmen on railways at the present time?
Mr. BUXTONIt is a matter which comes under the notice of the Board of Trade, and we do give it careful attention.