§ Mr. BOWERMANasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the Order of 21st April last, authorising the licensing of assistant tramway conductors, has aroused much indignation among the men at present employed on metropolitan stage carriages; and, in view of the expressed opinion of the men concerned (which has already been brought to his notice) that the Order in question is likely to prove detrimental to the travelling public and to the men at present employed on metropolitan stage carriages, as well as to the bays themselves, whether he is prepared to withdraw the Order in question?
§ Mr. McKENNATwo deputations from different unions representing the workers have been received at the Home Office, of which one opposed and the other supported the Order. The appointment of assistant 1979W conductors is in the interests of the travelling public, and the Commissioner of Police informs me that where introduced it has proved of much advantage and has been much appreciated by the men themselves. As at present advised, I am not prepared to withdraw the Order.