§ MR. BOWERMAN (Deptford)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been called to the increases in fares on the District Railway, which press heavily upon working-class families; and if he will cause inquiry to be made into the matter, and appoint a committee to make recommendations thereon.
§ MR. LLOYD-GEORGEYes, Sir, I have had this matter under careful consideration. The question whether the workmen's fares now charged by the railway company are unduly high is one that can be dealt with under the Cheap Trains Act, 1883. I am informed by the London County Council that their Housing Committee is in correspondence with the railway company, and that failing a satisfactory settlement, the Council will be recommended to make a representation to the Board of Trade under the Act. Full investigation would then be made into all the circumstances either by the Board of Trade or by the Railway and Canal Commissioners.