§ Mr. ATKEYasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that Haines Ball, of 26, Hutton Street, Nottingham, who worked for the Great Northern Railway Company for 45 years, has been discharged from their service on attaining the age of 65 years and is now unemployed and devoid of income or pension or allowance; that he is still capable of rendering efficient service; and that there is appropriate work which the railway company could offer; and whether he will take steps which will ensure to life-long servants more humane treatment before the Government control of the railway companies comes to an end?
§ Sir E. GEDDESI understand that this man has been in the employ of the Great Northern Railway since 1877, and reached the age of 65 on 18th December, 1919, and in April of this year the work on which he was employed ceased. The railway company were able to employ him temporarily on other work until the 2nd October, but they have now no suitable work to offer to him, which he could perform efficiently. He was not in any pension fund, but received a gratuity of three months' pay. I do not know how the hon. Member proposes that effect should be given to the suggestion at the end of his question.