HC Deb 04 April 1917 vol 92 cc1293-4
73. Mr. CHANCELLOR

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the extra charge of 50 per cent. on railway travelling which is made in Great Britain is not charged in Ireland, if so, how long this differentiation has continued; and whether, in view of the hardship, amounting almost to ruin, which this has inflicted on commercial travellers who pay their own expenses and the injury to firms who pay them, and whose working costs are thereby seriously enhanced; he will now reconsider the matter, with a view to removing this penalising form of special taxation by excepting from it commercial travellers, who can only live by using the railways?

Mr. GEORGE ROBERTS

As regards the first part of this question, it is the case that the general increase of 50 per cent. in railway fares which came into force in Great Britain on the 1st January last is not operative in Ireland where there is not the same reason for it. As regards the latter part I am afraid I can only say that, as explained in reply to previous questions, it is not possible in present circumstances to make an exception in favour of commercial travellers.

Mr. CHANCELLOR

Is it the view of the Board of Trade that English travellers should be penalised and that Irish travellers should not?

Mr. ROBERTS

I do not think I can add anything to my answer.