§ 40. Mr. O'GRADYasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the suggested increase in railway fares of 50 per cent. will impose an undue handicap upon commercial travellers doing business for firms that are controlled, and who have to sell the surplus of their productions, not required by the Government, to their ordinary customers; and, having regard to the fact that such controlled firms, under the circumstances, are not in the favourable position of those not controlled, will they be scheduled for special treatment so that their travellers can journey at fares now the rule?
Mr. ROBERTSI experience some difficulty in appreciating the distinction which the hon. Member draws between controlled and uncontrolled firms in this matter. However, the differential treatment of commercial travellers representing controlled and non-controlled firms is not regarded as either desirable or practicable.
§ Mr. O'GRADYCannot the Board of Trade see that the controlled firms' are in the hands of the Government, and that they can sell to their customers only the overplus produced, whereas the uncontrolled firms go on in the ordinary way, and is not that a reason why these firms' travellers should get special treatment?
Mr. ROBERTSI have given some consideration to the question, and I have a note here which I would like to show my hon. Friend, which appears to remove that objection.
§ Mr. T. M. HEALYWill this increase apply to cross-Channel traffic?