HC Deb 01 March 1915 vol 70 cc569-70
19. Mr. THOMAS

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, as a result of negotiations between the English, Scotch, and Welsh railway companies and representatives of trade unions, an amicable agreement has been arrived at which ensures the smooth working during the national crises of the railway systems in these countries; whether he is aware that efforts have been made to bring about similar meetings with the Irish railway companies, but which have been refused by those companies; and having regard to the wishes of His Majesty's Government, that all industrial disputes should as far as possible be satisfactorily settled, will he use his good offices to bring about the meeting with the Irish managers with a view to an amicable settlement being arrived at?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I am aware that a settlement has been effected on the railways of Great Britain. As regards Irish railways, which, as my hon. Friend is aware, have not been taken over by the Government under the Act of 1871, I have no official information, but I trust that the Irish companies will give full consideration to any reasonable representations which they may have received from their employés. If my hon. Friend will furnish me with particulars of any negotiations which may have taken place I will consider whether any action on my part is likely to lead to any useful result.

Mr. T. M. HEALY

May I ask whether the chairmen of the Irish railway companies have not complained, though they have suffered very much, not only by the War but by the conditions created by the War, they have received none of the help which the English companies have received; and have any such complaints been made to the Government?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

No such complaints have reached me, and looking through the traffic returns I am afraid I could not accept that statement.

Mr. T. M. HEALY

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen the traffic returns of the South-Eastern Railway (Ireland)?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I have seen the traffic returns of all Irish railways.

Mr. T. M. HEALY

Does the right hon. Gentleman make that statement about the the South-Eastern Railway (Ireland)?