§ 93. Colonel Crosthwaite-Eyreasked the Minister of Transport the total tonnage of goods held up at Paddington Station by the go-slow movement of workers there; what information he has received from the G.W.R.; and what action he proposes to take to ensure the continued orderly movement of goods from this station, particularly as regards foodstuffs, and other perishable goods.
§ Mr. BarnesOn the evening of Thursday, 21st November, 447 loaded wagons were on hand waiting to be cleared. Traffic generally is not being accepted for Paddington Goods Station except that foodstuffs and other perishable traffic is accepted from traders by special arrangement in accordance with the ability of the railway company to handle it.
I understand that the dispute at Paddington Goods Station arises primarily from the refusal of a section of the staff to adhere to the negotiating machinery and disciplinary procedure established by agreement between the railway companies and the railway trade unions. The men were advised by the executive committee of their trade union to resume normal working to permit of negotiation with the railway company. This instruction was not obeyed and in consequence the executive committee of the Union suspended from membership all of the members of the Paddington No. 2 Branch. I am informed that discussions are proceeding and 207W in the circumstances I do not feel that intervention on my part at this stage would serve any useful purpose.