HC Deb 21 June 1920 vol 130 cc1719-21
47. Mr. LAMBERT

asked the Prime Minister whether, before any increase in railway charges for passengers and goods is sanctioned by the Government, a full statement will be presented to and the approval of Parliament obtained?

Mr. BONAR LAW (Leader of the House)

It has been decided by the Government, with the approval of the House, that the railways must pay their way, and, in our opinion, the necessary rates must be imposed as soon as the Advisory Committee has reported.

Mr. LAMBERT

Is the House to have no voice whatever to the Government making arrangements which result in railway rates being increased to all the traders of the country?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I think this was fairly fully discussed, and it was decided that an Advisory Committee should be appointed to state the rates which were necessary to make the railways pay their way. That policy is being continued.

Mr. MARRIOTT

Has the Government considered the point that raising the rates may possibly diminish the revenue?

Mr. BONAR LAW

Oh, yes. It is obvious that there is a point where the increase of rates will defeat its own object. In the meantime, we must impose rates which will prevent a charge on the Exchequer.

Mr. LAMBERT

When does the right hon. Gentleman expect the Advisory Committee to report as to the necessity or not of an increase in railway charges?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The Committee, I understand, is now sitting. I expect their Report immediately.

69. Sir WILLIAM DAVISON

asked the Minister of Transport whether workmen's fares on the railways have been increased proportionately with those of other classes of passengers to meet the increased cost involved by the various increases in wages granted to railway workmen?

Mr. NEAL

No increase has been made in the fares charged in respect of work-people travelling on the railways. The matter was referred, at the instance of the Cabinet, to the Rates Advisory Committee for their consideration on 5th May, 1920.

Sir W. DAVISON

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether he thinks it is fair that workmen should be exempted from paying their fair share of the increase due to the raising of wages to men in their own class, and that the members of the middle classes should always have to pay the piper and never be allowed to call the tune?

Mr. SPEAKER

That is a matter for argument.

70. Colonel NEWMAN

asked the Minister of Transport whether in any further increase of railway fares which may be made on the advice of the Rates Advisory Committee the same consideration will be given to those whose business or profession entails constant and long-distance travelling as is given to those privileged to use workmen's tickets?

Mr. NEAL

The Rates Advisory Committee will, I am sure, take into consideration all relevant considerations affecting the various classes of the community which travel on the railways when the question of any further increase in fares is under review. As regards workmen's fares, I refer the hon. and gallant Member to Question 69 on the Order Paper to-day.

Colonel NEWMAN

Is not the question of the raising of fares being considered at the present moment?

Mr. NEAL

The same Committee is considering it, but whether they will be able to arrive at a conclusion on both matters simultaneously I cannot tell.

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

Have you asked them or will you ask them to consider the question of workmen's fares?

Mr. NEAL

That was referred to them.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Will they also be empowered to consider the charging of fares to railway directors?