§ 21. Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether cadets from the training ships "Conway" and "Worcester" are allowed first-class return railway tickets at single fares for the purpose of travelling to and from their homes, whereas the privilege of reduced fares for boys of the Lancashire 1217 and National Sea Training Homes at Liscard, Cheshire, has been withdrawn; if this withdrawal has his approval; on what grounds, if any, such distinction is allowed; and whether the privilege can be restored?
§ Sir J. CRAIGThe cheap travelling concessions granted in the War for leave were withdrawn, so far as they depended on the Admiralty's recommendation, from the training ships "Conway" and "Worcester," the National Sea Training Homes, Liscard, and other mercantile training homes at the end of June last, so that no distinction such as is suggested in the question is in operation, unless arrangements have been made privately by the institutions concerned with the railway companies. It was decided, when the whole question of travelling concessions was under consideration, that it was not possible for the Admiralty to recommend the continuance of War concessions to establishments not under Admiralty control, and it is regretted that the Admiralty are not in a position to press for the restoration of such privileges to persons not in the Naval Service.
§ Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLEIs it not the fact that these boys are to a certain extent under the control of the Board of Education, who pay a £10 grant for their education; that these boys are poor, and that the withdrawal of this concession makes it difficult for them to visit their homes?
§ Sir J. CRAIGMy hon. and gallant Friend will recognise the fact that the withdrawal of this concession throughout the country is imposing a hardship upon the poorer classes of the community; but this particular case is not under the Admiralty.