§ 62. Lieut.-Colonel HILDERasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that in the work of constructing the new arterial roads at Eastwood and Rayleigh, Essex, over 500 men resident in the London area are employed: that these workers, who are employed five days a week, have to travel long distances to their task, thereby involving them in additional travelling expenses and adding greatly to the length of their working day, making it necessary in some cases for workmen to be absent from their homes 14 hours of the day; that if the weather is unsuitable for work they still have to travel to the site of the work and then return home 1896 without doing work or receiving any pay; and will he consider the advisability of forming temporary camps under canvas on sites near their work, where the men could be accommodated from Monday to Friday, the working days of the week returning to their homes for the weekend?
§ Mr. NEALI have been asked to reply. The men's travelling expenses are paid between the London terminus and the site of the work, and every endeavour has been made by means of arrangements with the railway companies and the contractors to reduce to a minimum the inconvenience of travel. The formation of temporary camps presents considerable difficulties, and although this expedient has not been lost sight of, it has not been found possible to adopt it.
§ Mr. W. THORNEIs the hon. Gentleman aware that on some parts of these roads the men during certain parts of the day have to wait 2½ hours before they can get back to their homes.
§ Mr. NEALI have made a personal inspection of these roads and shelter is being provided as far as possible.