§ Mr. Ronald Bellasked the Minister of Labour what initiative he has taken or intends to take through his conciliation officers or by proposing legislation to Parliament to prevent disruption of the railway freight services by labour disputes.
§ Mr. GunterLabour relations on the railways are primarily the responsibility of the British Railways Board and the unions concerned. The services of my Department are available where this seems likely to help. We are currently assisting talks between the two sides on8W questions of railway pay and efficiency, including the industry's procedures for negotiation and consultation. I see no case for legislation specially for the railways; consideration of the case for any more general legislation must await the views of the Royal Commission on Trade Unions and Employer's Associations.