§ Mr. WIGNALLasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the agreement of 7th May granting the 48-hour week to boatmen employed by canal carriers has not been applied to men employed by the uncontrolled firms, and that the firms remain uncontrolled owing to the fact that they refuse to produce the information required by the Government; and, in view' of the possibility of a dispute, what steps does he intend taking to remedy the anomalous position?
§ Sir E. GEDDESI am not responsible for the wages or conditions of service of men employed by canal carriers not under control, and I am not aware that firms remain uncontrolled owing to the fact that they refuse to produce information. I cannot recommend that financial assistance should be afforded to uncontrolled canal carriers out of national funds.