§ 2. Mr. ROWLANDSasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Railway Executive Committee have cancelled the facilities which up to now have been given to munition workers who are working away from their homes of week-end railway tickets at special rates; if so, is he aware that it will affect many thousands of munition workers and in many cases prevent them visiting their families; and will he therefore reinstate the special facilities?
Sir A. STANLEYThe withdrawal of the limited number of cheap week-end tickets formerly issued to employés in controlled establishments was decided upon as a result of the most careful consideration of the whole of the circumstances by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Munitions of War and myself, and I cannot hold out any hope that these special facilities can be restored. I would remind the hon. Gentleman that War Munition Volunteers and certain other classes of munition workers are still granted special travelling facilities on the occasion of a generally observed trade holiday.
§ Mr. PRINGLECan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Minister of Munitions will grant these munition workers an increase of wages in view of the increased cost of travelling— another 12½per cent?
§ Mr. ROWLANDSIs the right hon. Gentleman prepared to take into consideration exceptional cases where men have to go long distances?
Sir A. STANLEYAll the relevant facts were most carefully considered. We did not come to this decision without carefully considering all aspects of the case. I am afraid that it would be very difficult to make any exception whatever.
§ Mr. G. TERRELLIs it a fact, as suggested by the question, that there are many thousands of persons interested in this matter?
§ Mr. PRINGLEOh, yes!