§ 72. Mr. GILBERTasked the President of the Board of Trade if any decision has 1745 been come to by the Tramway Committee set up by his Department to increase all tramway fares by at least 50 per cent.; and if he can state whether he has power to consent to any increase of statutory tramway fares under the Defence of the Realm Act?
Sir A. STANLEYThe Tramways Committee have recommended that, to enable tramway undertakings to meet the increased cost of labour and materials, powers to increase statutory maximum tramway fares should be obtained by the Board of Trade. At present the Board of Trade have no general powers of this kind, and the question whether such powers should be sought is being considered.
§ Mr. GILBERTIs it a fact that this Committee was really set up to deal with tramway material, and is the question of the increase of fares within their purview?
Sir A. STANLEYI can only point out that in order to secure the material it may be desirable that tramway fares should be increased. The Committee have no power to authorise this; that would be for the consideration of the Board of Trade alone.
§ Mr. LOUGHDoes not my right hon. Friend think that the Committee is travelling outside—and much outside—the terms of its reference by going into such issues?
Sir A. STANLEYThey are, I think, within their reference in bringing this mattter to the attention of the Board of Trade. It does not bind the Board.
§ Mr. GILBERTWill the right hon. Gentleman say in what way this matter can be brought up again; will he bring up a recommendation to the House to increase the fares?
Sir A. STANLEYThis matter has just been brought to my attention. I had not heard of it previous to the question.
§ Mr. ROWLANDSWill the right hon. Gentleman give the House an opportunity of discussing the matter before action is taken?