§ Mr. SUMMERBELLasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that there are still six Metropolitan railways, as also the whole of the tubes, that are imposing conditions compelling blind passengers to provide guides; and, if so, can he state whether he is prepared to approach such companies with a view to the withdrawal of such conditions, as in the case of the Great Eastern Railway Company?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Churchill)I have seen a statement in the Press to the effect mentioned, but I have no other information on the subject. If the hon. Member will furnish me with the names of the companies which, according to his information, make the condition referred to, I shall be prepared to communicate with them in the matter.
§ Mr. SUMMERBELLasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that there are at least 20,000 blind workers in this country who make use of the railways for reaching their work; that the stipulation of the Great Eastern Railway Company, if generally adopted by other railway companies, was that such passengers should not seek any indemnity in the case of accident, it being understood that they travel at their own risk; and, if so, and in view of these circumstances, can he state if he is prepared to take action with a view to these people being carried as a reduced rate?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe Great Eastern Railway Company do not now require any undertaking from blind passengers travelling over their line, but they understand that such passengers travel at their own risk so far as accidents due to their blindness are concerned. As a railway company in such circumstances contracts itself out of no existing liability, there would seem no reason why a reduction should be made in the fare.