66. Sir F. HALLasked the Prime Minister if his attention has been called to the statement by an official of the National Union of Railwaymen that there had been 14 serious delay in the negotiations with regard to railway workers' wages, but that a further offer from the Government was now under consideration; if he will state whether it is expected that the negotiations will be concluded before Christmas; and whether the House will be afforded an opportunity of considering any suggested settlement before completion if its terms are such as to prejudice the interests of the travelling public in securing a reduction of the present excess charge of 50 per cent. over the statutory maximum of 1d. a mile, in view of the great hardship thereby caused to all classes who are not exempted, like railwaymen and their families, from paying fares?
§ THE PRIME MINISTERI am fully aware that the negotiations referred to have occupied a long time, but, having regard to the complexities of the matters involved, I do not think that unavoidable delay has occurred. As regards the latter part of the hon. and gallant Gentleman's question, I would refer him to the reply which was given to the hon. Member for the Chippenham Division on the 8th of December by the Minister of Transport, when he promised to make a statement at the earliest moment possible. I cannot undertake that the settlement of the matters under consideration will be postponed until its terms have been considered by the House. The hon. and gallant Gentleman is mistaken in thinking that the railwaymen and their families travel free. Tickets are issued to them under certain conditions, at reduced fares, and the 50 per cent. increase applies to these as well as to the ordinary tickets.