Colonel THORNEasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that a stoppage of work is likely to occur at Lowca Engineering Works, Whitehaven, through a working hours dispute; that the majority of workmen live at Whitehaven and have to travel by train 2½ miles to Lowca; that the train service prevents the men from starting work at 7.30 a.m., and in consequence workmen and employers cannot come to an agreement about the time of starting and leaving off; and if he intends taking action in the matter?
§ Sir R. HORNEI have been asked to reply to this question. I am aware that there is some discontent on account of the hours at present in force at the Lowca Engineering Works being inconvenient for 1259W workmen dependent on the train service. An officer of the Department is endeavouring to secure a rearrangement of working hours to fit in with the train service.