§ 55. Mr. Barrasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that it is a regulation of one or more of the Scottish omnibus companies that conductresses must not take a seat but remain standing even throughout long journeys; and whether, in any action he may have to take in connection with the present omnibus dispute, he will seek to secure that the terms of settlement include the removal of this grievance and that suitable provision is made in this regard?
§ The Minister of Labour (Mr. Ernest Brown)I have no doubt that in the negotiations which are to be resumed now that the stoppage of work has ended such matters as that referred to by the hon. Member will be taken into consideration.
§ 60. Mr. N. Macleanasked the Minister of Labour the wages paid to omnibus and tramcar drivers, conductors, and conductresses, for a 48-hours week by municipal authorities in Scotland, and the comparative rates paid to similar classes of employés by private companies licensed for road transport services?
§ Mr. BrownI am afraid that, having regard to the large number of agreements covering various undertakings, it is impossible to give the information desired by way of answer to a question. As the hon. Member is probably aware, negotiations are to be resumed in respect of a large group of undertakings, and I should prefer that he should seek information at the present juncture from the organisations concerned.
§ Mr. MacleanIs the right hon. Gentleman endeavouring to collect the information which would be a satisfactory answer to my question?
§ Mr. BrownThe Ministry of Labour is not a party to the present negotiations, and I prefer to say nothing which might prejudice a successful result.
§ Mr. MacleanThe question has absolutely nothing to do with the present negotiations.