§ 6. Mr. MACMASTERasked the President of the Board of Trade upon what principle the rates for passenger season tickets on the railways were determined previously to the issue of the recent Order; whether the rate was fixed by the railway company with reference to the mileage travelled; if so, whether there was any and, if any, what differentiation in that connection and the amounts thereof; what was the fixed rate per mile, or otherwise, for season tickets for a distance of 12 miles from the starting point; at what stage of mileage beyond that point and for what distance did any differentiation come into operation; and, if there was a differential rate, did it come into operation at fixed mileage stations or at ordinary railway station points along the line?
Sir A. STANLEYI am afraid that it is not possible to give categorical replies to the points raised in this question. As the hon. and learned Gentleman is no doubt aware, there were, generally speaking, no statutory requirements in regard to the issue of season tickets or the terms on which they were issued. In fixing season-ticket rates the railway companies had regard generally to the mileage travelled, but local and other conditions were also considered.