§ 100. Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Home Secretary whether the Government has made any arrangement with the representatives of the railway interest as to a modification of the Ways and Communications Bill, and, if so, what?
§ Mr. SHORTTI would ask my hon. Friend to wait for the statement which will be made a, little later to-day.
§ 101. Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Home Secretary whether he or the proposed Minister of Ways has made any promise to road engineers as to their personal position in the event of the Bill being passed; and, if so, what?
§ Mr. SHORTTIntimation has been given, to these officers that if State funds 1736 were allotted to relieve local authorities of part of the cost of the salaries of the staff, the proposed Ministry would require a voice in the appointments made and the I salaries paid.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSIs that all that has been promised? Has not a distinct promise been made to these men that they should receive half their salaries paid by the State?
§ Mr. SHORTTNo. I do not think so.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSHas the right hon. Gentleman seen the circular issued by the Association of Municipal Engineers enclosing a letter from the Minister of Ways and Communications?
§ Mr. SHORTTNo. I have not.