§ Mr. MIDDLEBROOKasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the case of Walter Blagg, an engine driver who was dismissed from the service of the Midland Railway Company on account of alleged drunkenness; and whether, in view of the recommendation of the Royal Commission of 1911 that no employé should be punished until he had an opportunity of justifying himself, he will say what action the Board propose to take in the matter?
Mr. BUXTONRepresentations were made to the Board of Trade with regard to this man's case in December last, and an inquiry by the Board was asked for. It appeared that his dismissal had taken place nearly a year before, and as it was not alleged that any breach of the strike settlement of August, 1911, had occurred, 1269W it did not appear to fall within the scope of the inquiry which was then pending on behalf of the Board of Trade. I am not aware whether any request was made to the company that the man should be heard and allowed to call witnesses, but I am asking for their observations on the matter.