HC Deb 20 June 1918 vol 107 cc490-2
26. Mr. RENDALL

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now able to give his promised definite answer to questions previously put down asking that representations should be made to the Great Western Railway Company and the London and South-Western Railway Company to secure the interavailability of season tickets issued by these companies between the same stations on their lines?

The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Sir Albert Stanley)

This matter has now been fully considered, but I regret that I do not see my way to recommend the grant of the concession desired. As the hon. Gentleman is aware, season tickets available on the two railway systems can be obtained on payment of an extra charge, and there are, in present circumstances, specially strong objections to the extension of travelling facilities.

Mr. RENDALL

Can the right hon. Gentleman explain why, seeing that now the dividends of these companies are guaranteed by the nation, business men who happen to live in the West of England and who want to come to London should not be allowed to use trains actually going to Paddington or Waterloo with the same season ticket; and what disadvantage can there be to the nation in allowing them to do so?

Sir A. STANLEY

I tried to indicate in my reply the difficulty of extending travelling facilities of this kind. I can assure the hon. Member that nobody would be more pleased than myself if I were able to take a different point of view on this matter, but in the present circumstances I have no alternative.

Mr. RENDALL

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that practically this is the only case in England at the present time where season tickets are not inter-available for long-distance travelling?

Sir A. STANLEY

I would remind the hon. Member that there are many other places similarly affected.

Colonel ASHLEY

Is the only result of this decision that those unfortunate business men will have to return to their station by a later train?

Sir A. STANLEY

If that was the only reason obviously my answer would not be adequate, but that is not the only reason.

Mr. RENDALL

How can it increase the amount of travel if a man travels on one line instead of another?

Sir A. STANLEY

With increased facilities for travelling he will ride more frequently.

Mr. GILBERT

Would it not enable a certain number of unnecessary trains to be taken off if it were possible to travel by alternative lines?

Sir A. STANLEY

I do not think it would be true to say it would reduce the number of trains now being run. It might have the effect of adding to the number of trains we are working.

27. Sir COURTENAY WARNER

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make Regulations to prevent saloon carriages being reserved by the directors and officials of railway companies on crowded trains, and also to give wounded officers, and officers, Government officials, and Members of Parliament, when travelling on national business, the right to occupy any vacant seat in spite of the carriage being reserved?

Sir A. STANLEY

I am making inquiry into this matter, and will inform the hon. Baronet of the result.