30. Mr. TYSON WILSONasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if a number of the men employed at the hut camps that are being erected for the War Office are a long distance from their homes; that they have for months been working under uncomfortable conditions; that when they have visited their homes they have had to pay full railway fare; and whether, under these circumstances, he will make arrangements for them so that at Whitsuntide they may either travel free or at excursion fares?
§ 31. Sir JOHN SPEARasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if several carpenters resident in Plymouth and neighbourhood are employed in building huts for soldiers on Salisbury Plain; and will he arrange for these men to have free railway passes in order that they may visit their families at Whitsuntide?
Mr. BAKERI regret that it is not practicable for the War Office to issue free warrants. The question of excursion fares at Whitsuntide is a matter for the railway companies, but I am informed that the restriction of such bookings may be necessary to enable them to deal with their ordinary passenger traffic in addition to military movements.
Mr. TYSON WILSONCannot the War Office use their influence with the railway companies and get them to give some facilities to these men to visit their homes? They have been away for six months.