HC Deb 22 March 1920 vol 127 cc10-1
20. Mr. W. THORNE

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that the cyclists in all parts of the United Kingdom have protested against the recent increase in railway fares for the carriage of cycles accompanied by passengers; if he is aware that the rates for cycles have been twice increased, once in March, 1919, and again in January, 1920, making a total increase of 100 per cent. against the 50 or 60 per cent. for other goods; if he can see his way clear to make some arrangement with railway companies for the convenience of cyclists who for the purpose of health and recreation wish to leave the populated parts for a time, and so put their bicycles on the train to enable them to reach the country districts; if he is aware that at the present time if a bicycle is only carried two miles it costs 1s. 2d.; and if he will take action in the matter?

67. Mr. GRITTEN

asked the Minister of Transport why the railway rates for bicycles and tricycles accompanied by passengers have been twice raised within a period of 12 months, so that, instead of the lowest pre-war rate of 6d. for a bicycle and 1s. for a tricycle, the minimum charges are now 1s. 2d. and 3s. 9d., respectively, which charges are often actually in excess of the passenger fares; whether he is aware that such charges bear very harshly on a class who in the main are quite unable to incur such expense when they go on holiday or wish to reach the fringe of the country without riding through the traffic and outskirts of towns; and whether he will forthwith direct the reduction of the railway rates for bicycles and tricycles, especially in view of the fact that cyclists rarely take any other luggage than their machines and therefore do not avail themselves of the privileges of the ordinary railway traveller?

Sir E. GEDDES

I would refer the hon. Members to the answer given to a similar question put by the hon. Member for Middlesbrough West on the 15th March. I have arranged that a deputation from the Cyclists' Union shall be received tomorrow.

Mr. GRITTEN

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman, why, in spite of the pledge that the rates for cycles would not be raised without the cyclists' case being heard beforehand, the Rates Advisory Committee has had no cyclist witnesses before it, and has persistently refused to hear evidence from the Cyclists' Touring Club? And may I further ask whether he will see fit to restore the original minimum distance of one to twelve miles at the rate of 6d., instead of the first stage being one to thirty miles?

Sir E. GEDDES

The Rates Advisory Committee have discretion in regard to the question of rates, and I have no authority over it. When I have received the deputation, which I am seeing to-morrow, I shall do whatever I can to meet them.

Sir H. BRITTAIN

Are any members of the Advisory Committee cyclists?

Sir E. GEDDES

Not so far as I know; not professional cyclists.