RAILWAY CONTROL

Gisborne Times, Volume LV, Issue 6154, 11 August 1921, Page 5

RAILWAY CONTROL

SHOULD WORKERS BE ON DIRECTORATES?

AN INTERESTING DEBATE

(United Press Association—Copyright v LONDON, Aug. 9. In the House of Commons Mr Barnes moved amendments to the Railway De-Control Bill, assuring the railwaymen of seven seats on the directorate of each group of companies. He said the joint control of the industry, would do more than anything else to lessen disputes. The present proposal would give workers an inside knowledge and a keener feeling of resnonsibility. '

Mr Thomas, in opposing the amendment, ■> said that the amity between the companies and men would not be achieved by imposing conditions on the companies which they had. previously rejected. If the companies welcomed Mr Barites’ innovation, the workmen would jump at it. It was agreed that in the scheme already working there was every opportunity for' dealing with all disputes. If the workers were mistaken in agreeing to that scheme they were responsible. (Received Aug. 10, 8.30 p.m.) LONDON, Aug. 9. Lord Cecil supported the amendment.

s Sir E. Geddes, replying, agreed with the principle underlying the proposal, but pointed out that no | railway board would accept it, be- ! lieving the time not yet ripe for | 'such a step. j Mr Mildmay 1 and Major Hills, both railway directors, said that all companies regarded the . present working scheme as satisfactory and intended to work it smoothly. Mr Barnes, welcoming these declarations, withdrew the amendment.

Mr Flannery- opposed the third reading. He said lie regretted that no provision was made for the election of workmen, as directors, of whom he had twenty years’ satisfactory experience. The Bill was read a third time.— A. and N.Z.C.A.