HC Deb 18 July 1935 vol 304 cc1208-9
30. Commander MARSDEN

asked the Minister of Transport how many of the employés of the independent omnibus undertakings acquired by the London Passenger Transport Board have yet to receive settlement of their claims against the board made in accordance with the provisions contained in the London Passenger Transport Act, 1933?

The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Mr. Hore-Belisha)

I am informed that 490 claims for compensation (practically all for alleged differences in wages or conditions of service) were made against the London Passenger Transport Board by persons formerly employed by independent omnibus undertakings whose businesses have been transferred to, or acquired by, the board. Of these claims 194 are outstanding.

Commander MARSDEN

Considering that it is two years since these men lost their jobs, and they get no interest on the money, does not the right hon. Gentleman think it is time a settlement was made?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

Of course, I have no jurisdiction. It is an independent tribunal.

31. Commander MARSDEN

asked the Minister of Transport how many independent omnibus undertakings were acquired by the London Passenger Transport Board under the provisions of the London Passenger Transport Act, 1933; and how many of these undertakings have yet to receive settlement of their claims under the terms of the Act?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

I am informed that 126 independent omnibus undertakings have been transferred to, or acquired by, the board under the London Passenger Transport Act, 1933. Sixty-four cases have been settled by agreement or the determination of the arbitration tribunal, and 62 remain for settlement.

Commander MARSDEN

In view of the fact that these undertakings were taken away from their owners against their wish by Act of Parliament, does not the right hon. Gentleman think that to wait two years for a settlement of their claim is over long, and will he use his powers to force a settlement to be made?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

I have no formal powers, but I have put myself in communication with the appropriate authority. The tribunal are understood to consider that arguments except on matters of fact should be curtailed in future cases in view of the long arguments in previous cases, and, further, the Board has paid or offered to pay sums on account of the amounts ultimately to be awarded by the tribunal. I hope that will be some satisfaction to the hon. and gallant Gentleman.

Mr. NORTH

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell the House why it is that these claims take such a long time to settle?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

Yes, Sir, because the arguments are so very protracted.