HC Deb 08 July 1924 vol 175 cc1929-30
6. Mr. T. JOHNSTON

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now in a position to announce the result of his consultations with the companies engaged in running passenger steamers on the Clyde on the question of the excessive hours of labour of the empoyé;s on these steamers?

Mr. WEBB

I am pursuing this matter, but I am sorry I am not yet in a position to give the hon. Member the information for which he asks.

Mr. JOHNSTON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these railway companies are working their engineers up to 90 hours a week, and will he do nothing to prevent these sweaters from continuing this state of things in the midst of extraordinary unemployment?

Mr. BUCHANAN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is months since this question was first raised in this House and that, with the holiday season on, the proportion of hours has increased? I hope he will not think he can treat this question in a flippant fashion.

Mr. HANNON

Is there only one railway company concerned?

Mr. BUCHANAN

No, two.

Mr. WEBB

There are two railway companies running these steamers on the Clyde. In answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Stirling (Mr. T. Johnston), I feel with him that this is a serious matter, but I am bound to say that the railway companies have not yet been able to give us a definite answer. They have been communicated with, and we have received an acknowledgment, but sufficient time has not elapsed to warrant us in complaining of any delay on their part in replying to our communication. The matter will not be lost sight of, but I must remind the House that the Board of Trade has no power to require any reduction of the hours of labour.