§ Mr. THOMAS(by Private Notice) asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he is aware that the President of the Board of Trade on the 25th May invited the Labour party and also the National Union of Railwaymen to co-operate in the setting up of a committee for the purpose of dealing with cases arising out of the Military Service Act; that the offer was accepted by the National Union of Railwaymen, who have made every effort to bring the suggested committee into existence, but that the railway companies definitely refuse to 316 give effect to the suggestion, with the result that preferential treatment in the release of railwaymen for military service is taking place in all parts of the country; and, having regard to the importance of this question and the determination of the men to resist any unfair treatment, whether he will take immediate steps to give effect to the suggestion of the President of the Board of Trade?
§ The FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS (Mr. Harcourt)I am aware that the President of the Board of Trade wrote to both the Labour party and the National Union of Railwaymen, asking them whether they would approve of and cooperate in the setting up of committees to deal with the enlistment of railwaymen on similar lines to colliery tribunals. These latter were represented as composed of miners and coalowners or managers in equal numbers, but I find that the tribunal consists of the District Inspector of Mines with two assessors representing the men and the management, and nothing exactly equivalent would be possible in the case of the railways.
The President's illness, unfortunately, occurred before he had had an opportunity of inviting the assistance of the railway companies in the matter, but communications passed between the Board of Trade and the Railway Executive Committee. The Committee drew up recommendations to the individual companies, and I understand that copies of these recommendations were given to representatives of the National Union of Railwaymen at a meeting on the 29th June.
Subsequently the National Union of Railwaymen were informed by the Board of Trade that if there were any alterations in the circular which they would wish to suggest, the Railway Committee would be quite willing to meet them for the purpose of discussing such amendments, and would further consider with them what course should be taken in the event of instances occurring in which the recommendations were not observed.
I understand that a meeting took place this morning and I was told that, whilst the recommendations were discussed and an amendment accepted, no decision was come to as to the method of dealing with complaints of disregard of the recommendations.
I will consider what action I can usefully take, without loss of time.
§ Mr. THOMASIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that at the meeting this morning the railway companies said definitely they would refuse to accept the Government's decision, and having regard to that will he act at once?
§ Mr. HARCOURTYes, Sir, I propose to act immediately.