§ 23. Sir R. THOMASasked the Minister of Labour what regulations exist to control the number of hours per day, and days per week, worked by the drivers and conductors of motor-omnibuses running on regular daily services?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDThere are no statutory regulations governing the hours of work of drivers and conductors of motor-omnibuses. In many cases, however, they are governed by collective agreement between the parties concerned.
§ Sir R. THOMASIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that, owing to the ever increasing traffic, the work of these drivers is much more strenuous than that of engine drivers, and is it not time that regulations were formulated as to the hours of work of these men?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDAt present this question is on the same footing as the hours of work in many other industries and it is largely governed by what happens between the bigger companies concerned, the municipal authorities and large traction companies. I believe negotiations have been in progress to carry the movement further.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that at Glasgow the wages paid to drivers are 1s. 2d. an hour, and to conductors 7d. an hour? Surely it is time he went into the whole matter and inquired into the conditions under which these people live, move, and have their being?