HC Deb 28 February 1917 vol 90 cc2112-3

Bill reported without Amendment.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read the third time."—[Mr. James Hope.]

Mr. THORNE

I will now raise the point I was pursuing when I was called to ordered by the Chairman of Committees, namely, that if this Bill is passed, the railway companies will not be compelled to keep separate accounts as they are now. If that is done will the railway companies be able to cheat the Government out of certain sums to which they were entitled under the old method? I would ask the hon. Gentleman in charge of the Bill whether he can see his way clear to persuade the various railway companies to run ever more workmen's trains than are being run at the present time?

Mr. SPEAKER

That question does not arise on this Bill. The first question raised by the hon. Member is relevant.

Mr. THORNE

I understand that when the Railway Passenger Duties Act was brought into operation many years ago it was passed on the distinct understanding that the various railway companies in the country should run a certain number of workmen's trains to the termini in. London and other parts of the country.

Mr. SPEAKER

That may be so, but this Bill only refers to making certain entries. It does not refer to the policy of runnning workmen's trains or otherwise. The Bill only relates to the bookkeeping part.

Mr. BALDWIN

I can assure the hon. Member that he is quite mistaken about the financial advantage to the railway companies, and if he reads in the OFFICIAL REPORT to-morrow what I have just said I think he will be satisfied that the railway companies are not trying to take any advantage of the Government.

Mr. KEATING

I do not know what is the hon. Gentleman's opinion about my suggestion as to the need of showing season tickets every time a passenger travels on a suburban train, but any expression in favour of it would be heartily welcomed.

Question put, and agreed to.

Bill read the third time, and passed.