HC Deb 14 April 1919 vol 114 cc2468-9
8. Mr. REMER

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can now satisfy the traders and workpeople who are very dissatisfied with the working of the North Staffordshire Railway; whether he is aware that the 50 per cent, increase in railway fares is paid by workmen travelling from Congleton to Macclesfield to and from their work; and whether he will take such steps as will ensure that the same facilities are granted to workmen in these districts as in every other part of the country?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

My right hon. Friend has already explained to the hon. Gentleman that the 50 per cent, increase applies to ordinary tickets, and that the North Staffordshire Railway Company have not hitherto regarded the demand for workmen's tickets between Congleton and Manchester as sufficient to justify the issue of such tickets. The railway company, however, would be prepared, on certain conditions, to issue experimentally workmen's tickets between the places named, and I am forwarding the hon. Gentleman a copy of a letter from them on the subject

Mr. G. TERRELL

Before the hon. Gentleman gives way to pressure will he consider the advisability of putting up the rates for all classes as well as for ordinary passengers?