§ Mr. JAMES WILSONasked the Minister of Transport whether the Burton and Ashby Light Railway, which is controlled by the Midland Railway Company, is entitled to any financial guarantee from the Government; whether he is aware that the men employed on this railway have not had the benefit of the National Wages Board and other awards; and why they are not conceded the same wages and conditions of employment as those prevailing generally in the railway service?
§ Sir E. GEDDESThis light railway is the property of the Midland Railway Company, whose net receipts are at present guaranteed by the Government. It is, however, regarded as a tramway, and not as a railway undertaking, and the railway awards referred to have not been applied to the men working on it. I understand, however, that the wages and conditions of employment of these men were agreed between their representatives and the Midland Railway Company.