§ Mr. JAMES THOMASasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the hours worked by the goods guards at Portobello, Scotland, on the North British Railway, amounting to in many cases as many as sixteen per day; and, having regard to the fact that these 301 hours are injurious to the men's health and against public safety, what action he proposes to take?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Buxton)I have received no recent complaint in this matter, but if my hon. Friend will furnish me with specific instances of the long hours to which he refers, I will cause inquiry to be made on the subject.
§ Mr. JAMES THOMASasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the accident at Parkhead, Scotland, on the North British Railway, where four platelayers were killed and one seriously injured on 11th November last, and where the Government inspector, Colonel Yorke, R.E., condemned the organisation and supervision of this class of railway work, stating the present system was simply analogous to turning a flock of sheep on the railway without a shepherd; and, having regard to the mortality existing amongst this class of workers, what steps he proposes to take with a view of better and more ample protection?
§ Mr. BUXTONI fully realise the importance of the matter to which my hon. Friend refers, and the Board of Trade are in communication with the railway companies on the subject.