HC Deb 29 June 1916 vol 83 c1008
18. Mr. O'GRADY

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether arrangements can and will be made with the railway companies to issue cheap tickets during the August holidays in order that munition workers and all those engaged in work of national importance may enjoy the advantage of the proposed lengthened holiday?

Mr. PRETYMAN

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on the 27th June to a similar question by the hon. Member for West Wolverhampton, of which I am sending him a copy.

Mr. O'GRADY

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the fact that the General Federation of Trade Unions have approached the Board of Trade on this matter, and, if so, can he say what answer has been given to them?

Mr. PRETYMAN

The answer given yesterday was that the matter has been referred to the railway companies, and they say that, with their depleted staff, they find it impossible to provide more than an ordinary service.