HC Deb 29 November 1916 vol 88 cc346-7
104. Mr. ROBINSON

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has official information showing the approximate cost of running a railway-dining car per 100 miles; and whether, in the interests of economy, he will now take steps to stop the running of these cars?

Mr. PRETYMAN

I am unable to give the figures asked for by my hon. Friend, but I understand that it is doubtful whether any real economy would be effected by the withdrawal of those dining cars which still remain in service.

Mr. ROBINSON

May I ask if the Ministry of Munitions have not sent a requisition to the Board of Trade to try and prohibit as far as possible the use of engine power and whether this would not lead to economy in engine power?

Mr. PRETYMAN

No, Sir, it would not. That is the purport of my answer.

Mr. PRINGLE

Can the hon. Gentleman say why it is economical for the Midland Railway Company to run dining cars and not for the London and North Western Railway Company?

Mr. PRETYMAN

I do not think that necessarily need be an impossible proposition. The railways which go to the North are to a certain extent interchangeable and you do not necessarily want dining cars on them all.