HC Deb 02 June 1919 vol 116 c1651
12. Mr. CAIRNS

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will extend the reduced railway fares to children's trips belonging to friendly societies, such as Rechabites, Foresters, and others, and thus treat all children alike?

25. Mr. RAMSDEN

asked the President of the Board of Trade if the reduced fares to be granted to parties of school children are also available for the friendly societies and trade union juveniles; and, if not, if he will state the reasons actuating this differentiation of treatment?

Sir A. GEDDES

All children attend, or, at least, ought to attend schools, and, therefore, the concession given to schools gives every child one chance of having a cheap trip, whereas a concession given to societies of the nature indicated would not cover all children and, in the case of the children it did cover, would be giving them a second cheap trip. I am afraid that to give every child two cheap trips would throw a greater strain on the railways than they in their present state are able to bear.

Mr. BRIANT

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the term "school children" does not cover all children but covers all school children? The question relates to "children" and not "school children" at all.

Sir A. GEDDES

"School children" covers children of school age. Below that you have the infants, and above it you pass into the other class—workers.

Mr. CAIRNS

All children commence work before fourteen. This would be applicable to them at fifteen.