HC Deb 20 March 1917 vol 92 c596
56. Mr. BUTCHER

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the hardship entailed on jurymen who are compelled in the discharge of their public duties to travel considerable distances by train at their own expense to attend the Assizes; and whether, pending the removal of this hardship, he will give directions that jurymen travelling by train to attend the Assizes shall be exempted from payment of the 50 per cent. increase recently placed on railway fares?

Mr. ROBERTS

The claims of jurymen for exemption from the recent increase in railway fares have been considered by the Board of Trade, but, in present circumstances, it has not been found practicable to make a concession in their favour.

Mr. BUTCHER

May I ask the hon. Gentleman, in conjunction with the Chancellor of the Exchequer, to reconsider this question, and to bear in mind that these men are compelled to travel for public duty?

Mr. ROBERTS

I am aware of the fact, but I hope my hon. and learned Friend will not press me further on the subject to-day.