§ Mr. BROMLEYasked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that the London Midland, and Scottish Railway Company are keeping engine drivers and firemen on duty for hours in excess of their normal hours and in excess of hours allowed by any agreement; that this is taking place after such men have completed their train service and gone to the depots to the extent of cutting down their normal periods of rest for their next turn of duty, and by employing fewer men for excessive hours of duty is adding to the unemployment problem; and will he call for a return of overtime worked by engine-drivers and firemen in the employ of this company for each week for the past six months?
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§ Mr. HERBERT MORRISONI have no information in regard to this matter apart from that contained in my hon. Friend's question. As he is aware, suitable machinery exists for dealing, if necessary, with any questions relating to rates of pay, hours of duty, or other conditions of service of railway employés, and in the circumstances I should hesitate to take the action suggested in the last part of his question unless it can be shown that the public safety is likely to be endangered.