HC Deb 05 July 1915 vol 73 c9
7. Mr. DUNCAN MILLAR

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will arrange for the Scottish railway companies to issue cheap railway fares to the travelling public in the West of Scotland during the Glasgow Fair week and the Clyde Fair holidays?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I regret that I do not see my way to take the action suggested. Owing to the abnormal conditions due to the War many cheap booking facilities have had to be withdrawn in all parts of the country, and no exceptional arrangements could, I think, be made on the occasions to which my hon. Friend refers.

Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

May I ask whether the abnormal conditions apply to all the railways in all parts of the country?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

They apply to the entire railways of Great Britain, not Ireland.

Mr. WATT

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the railways mentioned are not main lines but subsidiary lines?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

Yes, I think that is quite true, but even the subsidiary lines are performing very heavy military services from which we cannot divert them.