§ Mr. WILLIAM THORNEasked the President of the Board of Trade, if he was aware that the third-class fare on the Metropolitan District Railway between Ealing and Mansion House stations, a distance of twenty stations, is 10d. return, whilst between Upton Park and Westminster, a distance of eighteen stations, it is 1s. return; if he is aware that when the Metropolitan District and the Tilbury and Southend Companies were distinct lines a through ticket could be obtained for 10d. between Upton Park and Westminster, which now makes a difference of 1s. per week, or £2 12s. per annum, to clerks and others who are unable to avail themselves of the cheap workmen's trains; and if he intends taking any action in the matter?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Tennant)The return fare between Upton Park and Westminster would appear to be within the powers of charge of the companies concerned, but I have invited their observations on my hon. Friend's question and will inform him of the result.
§ Mr. WILLIAM THORNEMay I ask whether he is aware that there is a greater distance run for 10d. than for 1s.?
§ Mr. TENNANTI have already informed the hon. Gentleman that I would be glad to give him an answer as soon as I hear from the Company, but I am not in a position to do so at the present moment.