§ 15. Mr. KINGasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the arrangement among the railway companies by which the directors of the various companies travel without payment, not only over their own lines but the lines of other companies; whether, in view of the railways being under Government control, this practice is still continued; and whether, in view of the financial position of the country, it is intended to provide that railway directors should only travel after payment of the usual fares?
Mr. RUNCIMANNo alteration has been made in the practice to which my hon. Friend refers, and I do not think it is a matter in which any alteration is called for.
§ Mr. KINGIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there has been a great increase in this practice since the War began, and consequently a large amount of first-class carriage accommodation has to be provided, with considerable increase of expense in haulage and otherwise?
§ Mr. KINGIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that persons in the Board of Trade have been offered these passes, and can he give any information upon that point?
Mr. RUNCIMANYes. Persons in the Board of Trade have been offered these passes and quite properly offered them.
§ Mr. SPEAKERI would remind the hon. Member that we have a great many questions.