HC Deb 16 February 1920 vol 125 cc494-5
27. Mr. GILBERT

asked the Minister of Transport whether it is proposed to recommend the railway companies who are now considering the question of the conditions of service of the railway police to apply the recommendations of the Des-borough Committee with respect to the formation of a federation on democratic lines and the adoption of a standardised scale of pay and allowances.

28. Mr. BILLING

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the discontent existing in the railway police departments owing to the methods adopted by the authorities in dealing with the question of standardisation; and whether he is prepared to allow the men's representatives to take part in the discussion of their future conditions and grant them facilities to form a rail-way police federation, particulars of which have already been submitted to the Ministry of Transport?

Mr. NEAL

The Minister of Transport has received certain representations from the railway police giving him the benefit of their views upon their future status and the position with reference to the railway companies. He is aware of the importance of the question, which is being closely investigated by the railway companies in consultation with the Minister. The discussions have not yet reached the stage which makes it possible for me to give a more definite reply to the questions put by my hon. Friends. I shall be prepared shortly to see deputations of the men.

Mr. BILLING

Can the hon. Gentleman, arising out of Question 28, say approximately when he is prepared to receive this deputation; and will he give the House an assurance that he will make strong representations to his Chief as to the desirability of this matter having further attention?

Mr. NEAL

I shall be prepared to receive the deputation, and to consult with the men at the very earliest date if they will communicate with me. With regard to the latter part of the Question of my hon. Friend it is quite unnecessary to make strong representations to the Minister of Transport as he is quite awake to the importance of the subject.