16. Colonel NEWMANasked the Minister of Transport what representation the travelling public have on the Railway Commission or other body now considering what increase of fares may be necessary to meet the increase of salaries of railway employés; and will he say by whom such representatives were appointed?
§ Sir E. GEDDESAny additional expenditure resulting from the grant of increased salaries to railway employés 13 will have to be taken into account in the systematic revision of all railway charges which is now under consideration by the Rates Advisory Committee set up in accordance with Section 21 of the Ministry of Transport Act. The composition of the Committee is fixed by the Act, and was the subject of considerable discussion during the passage of the Bill.
§ Sir E. GEDDESYes, it has been working for nearly a year.
§ Sir E. GEDDESI will send them to my hon. and gallant Friend.
§ 21. Sir ROBERT CHADWICKasked the Minister of Transport whether the need still exists for persuading the public not to indulge in unnecessary railway travelling, and whether the present scale of fares was imposed for revenue purposes, and not as a deterrent?
§ Sir E. GEDDESThe increased fares, although originally imposed for the purpose of restricting travelling, are now required to meet the additional expenditure of railway companies arising from the increased cost of labour and materials.