HC Deb 17 November 1930 vol 245 cc37-8
53. Mr. HORE-BELISHA

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government is proposing to offer its good offices in the differences between the railway companies and their employés; and whether he has any statement to make?

82. Mr. BROCKWAY

asked the Minister of Labour whether her notice has been drawn to the demands of the railway companies for a reduction of the wages of railway workers; and whether she proposes to take any action to prevent the further reduction of wages?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. Lawson)

I have been asked to reply. The position is that the railway companies have placed certain proposals before die unions, who now have them under consideration. I hope that a settlement will be reached, as in previous cases, by negotiation or through the joint machinery provided in the Railways Act, 1921.

Mr. BROCKWAY

In view of the very serious threat to working-class conditions which the companies' demands involve, are the Government going to take some action which will protect those conditions from that attack?