§ 72. Mr. SWANasked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that the high passenger fares on our railways make it impossible for most children of the workers to have any facilities to travel on any distant train journey; and if he will endeavour to get children permitted to travel at half fare so long as their school age lasts, instead of limiting it to 12 years as at present, thus giving more opportunity to poor children to improve their education by travel?
§ Mr. NEALI regret that, especially in present circumstances, it is not possible to extend the limit of age up to which tickets are issued to children at half rates. The passenger traffic returns do not support the view expressed in the question.
§ Mr. SWANIs it not the fact that when these rates were fixed they were guided by the time at which children went to school or left school, and if that is so, is it not reasonable that the same privileges should be carried on to the school age?