§ 39. Mr. DINGLE FOOTasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in order to encourage coastal shipping, he will arrange for the railway vouchers now issued to Members to be available also for journeys to and from their constituencies by boat?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Hore-Belisha)Facilities already exist for travel by sea where this is necessary to enable Members to visit their constituencies, as, for example, in the case of Ulster, the Orkneys and the Western Isles, but there would appear to be no sufficient justification for making such provision in cases where speedier railway facilities are also available. The general extension of the voucher system in the manner suggested would moreover involve comprehensive arrangements with shipping companies and I doubt whether they would further in any way the object stated in the question.
§ Mr. FOOTAs steamship fares are much lower than railway fares, would not the suggestion mean an economy to the State?
§ Miss HORSBRUGHCan the hon. Gentleman say if the advantage of Members travelling by coastal services would outweigh the disadvantage of the extra tax on oil?
§ Mr. THORNEWhat will the Government save by the reduction of railway fares to Members of the House?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAIt would depend on the extent to which the facilities suggested were used, but it is hardly credible that hon. Members would spend two or three days making a voyage when they could get to their constituencies in two or three hours.
§ Mr. THORNEBut is the hon. Gentleman aware that the railway companies 1221 have now reduced fares to a penny a mile? What saving will that be to the Government?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAThat is another question.
§ Mr. RONALD ROSSWill the hon. Gentleman inform Scottish Members that if they travel by boat they will not be allowed for sleeping accommodation or cabins, according to the ordinary warrants issued to the Ulster Members?