HC Deb 05 June 1919 vol 116 cc2210-1
77. Mr. BRIANT

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the importance to the health and discipline of the young of camps for scouts' brigades and similar organisations, which are available for a week or a fortnight, and the fact that the train-space occupied is not more than that required for children attending day excursions, he will make arrangements for them at reduced fares, subject to conditions as to age, etc.?

90 and 91. Mr. LORT-WILLIAMS

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether he is aware that the Railway Executive Committee refuse to extend the concession of reducd children's fares to treats and excursions for children conducted by working men's clubs and similar organisations; whether, in view of the necessity of increasing the facilities for providing children with fresh air, he will take steps to obtain the extension of the concession in such cases; (2) whether he is aware that the Railway Executive Committee refuse to extend the concession of reduced fares in the case of summer camps for boys and girls between the ages of fourteen and eighteen conducted by the juvenile organisations associations affiliated to the Home Office Juvenile Organisations Committee and by boys' and girls' clubs and scout associations; whether he is aware that the work of these associations has been recognised under the Education Act, 1918, and by the Home Office as being of extreme importance; whether he knows that many camps must be cancelled unless concessions are made; and what steps he proposes to take to remedy this situation?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

This matter has been very carefully considered by the Railway Executive Committee, but the Committee report that they do not see their way to extend the grant of reduced fares to such organisation and associations. My right hon. Friend is having the matter further explored.

Mr. BRIANT

If it is possible to find railway accommodation for the tens of thousands of people who have travelled this week, is it not equally possible, and more important, to provide accommodation for the children to make holiday?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

It is a much more difficult question; but I can assure the hon. Member that the Board of Trade is only too anxious to find accommodation for everybody; it is impossible to do it.