§ 53. Mr. CRUMLEYasked the President of the Board of Trade why a number of tradesmen, namely, carpenters, masons, painters, etc., engaged by the Great Northern Railway, Ireland, and living in Enniskillen, Clones, Bundoran, etc., have not been allowed war bonus: and will he have the matter investigated, with a view to having these tradesmen treated fairly, in accordance with the regulations as to war bonus?
Mr. ROBERTSThe arrangement recently made for the payment of a total war bonus of sevens shillings weekly to Irish railway employed does not apply to men employed in railway companies' shops when the district rate of wage with any bonus given in the district is paid. I have, however, asked for the observations of the Great Northern of Ireland Railway 801 Company upon the hon. Gentleman's question, and will communicate with him on receipt of their reply.
§ 56. Mr. HUDSONasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the case of engine-driver Clark, Midland and Great Northern Joint Railway, who, in consequence of the reduction in train service, has been reduced in wages 16s. 6d. per week after nineteen years with the company, and that cases, varying in the amount of wages lost, are occurring throughout the country on different railways; and whether he will take steps to secure to these men their standard wages whilst working in other positions?
Mr. ROBERTSRepresentations have already been made to the Board of Trade with regard to the position of the engine-drjvers on the Midland and Great Northern Joint Railways, and the matter is being investigated. I should be happy to bring any other cases the hon. Gentleman may have in mind to the notice of the railway companies concerned.