asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the feeling of disquiet existing amongst the signalmen staff of the G.W.R. in the Birmingham district at the action of the company in promoting to higher-rated posts men junior in the service and deliberately passing over suitable senior men; and whether, in view of the danger of an unofficial stoppage, he will inquire into the circumstances surrounding the promotion of relief signalmen in this district, with particular reference to a case of which the hon. Member for The Hartle-pools is sending him particulars.

This is a responsibility of management and I am not disposed to intervene. The arrangements governing such promotion are the subject of agreement between the railway company and the men's representatives at the appropriate sectional council. The case to which my hon. Friend refers has, I understand, been discussed both at that council and with the union.