§ 44. Mr. T. WILLIAMSasked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the action of the Yorkshire Traction Company, who are insisting upon motor-omnibus drivers, in some cases, working on and off for as long as 13 hours each day and will he state what steps he is taking to deal with the resultant danger to the drivers and the travelling public?
§ Mr. HERBERT MORRISONI would draw my hon. Friend's attention to the provisions of Section 19 of the Road Traffic Act which limit the hours during which drivers of public service vehicles may remain continuously on duty, and of Section 93 of that Act which deals with the wages and conditions of persons employed in connection with such vehicles. I intend that these Sections shall become effective on the 1st April.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIn view of the obvious injustice to the drivers, and the danger to the travelling public, will the right, hon. Gentleman make inquiries, and let us have some further information?
§ Mr. MORRISONI gather that the difficulty which has arisen in this case is in connection with the problem of the spread-over, which, I hope, as a result of discussion between the parties concerned, will be solved. In any case, it will not be possible for the number of hours to exceed those stipulated, and the question of danger may not arise. I am anxious that the men shall not be inconvenienced by an unduly long spread-over, and I hope all employers will be as helpful as they can be in that matter.