§ 71. Mr. BIRDasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the abolition of week-end railway tickets for commercial travellers increases the cost of fares, to those of them desiring to spend the Sabbath with their families, by 200 per cent., which they cannot afford to pay; and will he give orders for the resumption of week-end tickets at the old rates for bonâ-fide commercial travellers?
Mr. ROBERTSThis and other points relating to the effect of the recent railway restrictions upon commercial travellers 1273 have been very carefully considered, but for reasons which I have fully explained in this House I cannot hold out hope that concessions can be made in present circumstances.
§ Sir J. D. REESCould not some exception be made on the ground that travelling is the livelihood of these men, and that they are in that respect on a different Footing?
Mr. ROBERTSMy hon. Friend must be aware that the occupation of commercial travelling has been scheduled as a non-essential occupation.
§ 72. Mr. BILLINGasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in consideration of the fact that many dockyard workers and munition workers have to live at a considerable distance from their work, and in view of the present high and suggested future increase in railway fares, special facilities will be granted them in the way of season tickets at reduced rates?
Mr. ROBERTSThe recent increase in railway fares does not apply to season tickets or tickets at workmen's fares, the issue of which at the former prices is still being continued.