HC Deb 13 January 1913 vol 46 cc1663-4
51. Lord CLAUD HAMILTON

asked the Prime Minister when the Government intend to take the Railways (No. 2) Bill?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

It is not yet possible to fix a date, but, as recently stated, it is not likely to be before next month.

Lord CLAUD HAMILTON

May I ask if the right hon. Gentleman is really alive to the fact that the definite pledge given by him on behalf of the Government in regard to this matter is now sixteen months overdue, whilst the railway companies have incurred very heavy expenses in carrying out their part of the bargain?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I am certainly alive to the fact that I gave a very definite pledge on behalf of the Government when settling the railway dispute, but nobody knows better than the Noble Lord the difficulties which have occurred in carrying out that pledge. The objections have by no means been confined to one side of the House. We have experienced very great difficulties, but the Noble. Lord knows perfectly well that the Board of Trade have been doing their very best to redeem the pledge which the Government gave.

Lord CLAUD HAMILTON

I know the Board of Trade have done their best, but it is the measures of the right hon. Gentleman which have interfered with the Board of Trade in bringing forward the Bill.

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I really do not know what the Noble Lord means by my having interfered with the Board of Trade. He has no right to say that, and, on the contrary, I have done my very best to assist the Board of Trade, and the Board of Trade will confirm what I say, in carrying out the pledge. I consider it not merely a pledge of the Government, but a personal pledge of mine; and I shall stand by it whatever happens.

Mr. HUNT

When the railway companies agreed to settle the strike by concessions, were they told they were to be put off for a year and a half?