HC Deb 20 November 1917 vol 99 cc1000-1
34. Mr. GILBERT

asked the President of the Board of Trade what action he has taken as regards the increase by railway companies in London of season tickets; and if instructions have been issued to stop all further increases and to refund all recent increases made?

Mr. WARDLE

I am still in communication with the Railway Executive Committee, and I regret that I am not yet in a position to add to the reply given by my right hon. Friend to the question asked by the hon. Gentleman on this subject last Wednesday.

Mr. GILBERT

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the posters which were issued last December increasing railway fares by 50 per cent. specially included increases to workmen's weekly and traders' and season tickets, and in view of the very great hardship to workers, many of them with small wages, by the increase of season tickets, can he give the House any definite date when he will be able to reply to the question?

Mr. WARDLE

With regard to the first part of the question, there is no increase of 50 per cent. on any season tickets.

Mr. GILBERT

I did not say that.

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member has asked a question. He should wait for a reply.

Mr. WARDLE

With regard to the second part of the question, I hope it will be possible within two or three days to give a definite answer.

Sir G. GREENWOOD

Would it not be possible to make regulations so that third-class season tickets may in future be paid for by four equal quarterly instalments, instead of fining poor men, as is done in certain cases?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member should give notice of that question.

Mr. HOGGE

Will the hon. Gentleman take into consideration the fact that in addition to the increased price that is now put on the season ticket a great number of stations have actually been closed, and people who travel by these trains are put to extra inconvenience and cost to reach the stations from which they now travel?