§ SIR JOHN BRUNNER (Cheshire, Northwich)To ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the London, Brighton, and South Coast Railway Company have for several years past charged more than their legal 1256 maximum fares for passengers from London or Newhaven to Dieppe, and that their Bill of this year, which has passed this House, allows of an increase in the legal maximum; and whether the Board made any Report upon the Bill as regards these facts.
(Answered by Mr. Lloyd-George.) The Board of Trade have recently pointed out to the London, Brighton, and South Coast Railway Company that the fares-they are charging to passengers from Newhaven to Dieppe, and to third class passengers from London to Dieppe, appear to be in excess of their powers, and the' Company is putting reduced fares into operation on the 1st proximo. The Company's Bill of this Session contains a proposal to increase the maximum fares-authorised on the steam vessels between Newhaven and Dieppe. No Report from the Department on this proposal appears to be required by Standing Orders, but the Board communicated with the Company, who agreed to make a reduction in the maximum fares proposed for second and third class passengers. The new maxima will be 12s. 6d. and 8s. 6d., in place of 13s. and 10s. respectively, as originally proposed, and the Company have undertaken to amend the Bill accordingly.