HC Deb 08 June 1915 vol 72 cc167-9
27. Mr. NOEL BUXTON

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, having regard to the distress caused by the War in places whose livelihood depends upon catering for visitors, he will make representations urging the railway companies to issue cheap tickets to holiday resorts which would be available by ordinary trains, so that all hindrance to military traffic would be avoided?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

The whole question of restoring cheap booking facilities on the various railways has recently received very careful consideration, but I cannot hold out any hope that an extension of the existing facilities of the character suggested can be given.

Mr. HOGGE

Will my right hon. Friend not, at any rate, take into account the issue of the seven-day and fortnightly return tickets which have always been issued to holiday places all over the country; will he note that unless that is done there will be a considerable amount of distress amongst a large body of persons?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

Yes, those questions have been considered. I have suggested to the Railway Executive Committee that in so far as these cheap tickets are for the use, say, for example, boys' clubs and others who can only thus get to the sea-side or the country, that the matter should be sympathetically considered. I understood that the Committee was even now considering that question, and I hope soon to get a reply.

28. Sir W. H. DAVIES

asked whether it is intended by the Government to pay any compensation for compulsorily stopping summer excursion traffic by order of the Commander-in-Chief at Devonport?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)

The order stopping excursion traffic was necessary on account of naval requirements. If loss is alleged, and formal application is made to the Admiralty, the matter would be referred to the Commission, presided over by the right hon. and learned Member for Exeter, dealing with losses under the Defence of the Realm Acts. But I cannot, of course, express any opinion as to the result.

Mr. WATT

Does the answer apply not only to Devonport, but to other places throughout the country?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I should like to see that question.

Mr. WATT

I will put it down.

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