asked the Minister of Transport what steps have recently been taken to obtain the maximum consultation and co-operation between management and staff on day-to-day problems on British railways; and with what results.

Arrangements have been made for meetings, on an area, district, or divisional basis, between representatives of the local departmental committees, the sectional councils, the trade unions and the companies' officers. Difficulties under which the railways are working are discussed and suggestions for dealing with them are considered. It is as yet too early to assess the results but my right hon. Friend is confident that co-operation of this kind between the staff and the management will be of the greatest advantage.

Does my hon. Friend recognise that meetings of this kind are widely welcomed by the staff concerned, and that their use will be invaluable to the transport system and the general economy of the country, if they are fully utilised and the workers brought into consultation on a day-to-day basis?

Yes, Sir.