§ 43. Mr. GEORGE TERRELLasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, in consequence of the temporary closing of Box Tunnel for repairs and the consequent diversion of the traffic between Chippenham, Corsham, and Bath by another route, the Great Western Railway Company has increased the return fare between Chippenham and Bath from 2s. 2d. to 4s. 7d., and Corsham and Bath from 1s. 3d. to 4s. 7d.; whether he has received representations from the local authorities on the subject; whether he is aware that this increase in fares inflicts a hardship on the poorer classes who have to attend the hospitals and institutions in Bath and also on children attending schools in the area affected by the closing of Box Tunnel; and whether, in the circumstances, he will take steps to obtain a reduction from the railway company in the fares from Chippenham and Corsham to Bath to the rates charged prior to the closing of the Box Tunnel?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Roberts)I am in communication with the Great Western Railway Company on this matter, and will inform the hon. Gentleman of the result.