HC Deb 03 May 1920 vol 128 cc1681-2
17. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that railway companies are refusing to refund the fare in cases where they have, under their bye-laws, required a season-ticket holder who has by accident left his season ticket at home to pay again for his journey; whether, assuming that the railway companies are under no statutory obligation to issue season tickets and when they do so are entitled to make such conditions as they consider reasonable, he will say if charging twice for the same fare can be regarded as reasonable; and, if not, whether he will take steps to prevent the continuance of this practice?

Sir E. GEDDES

As I informed the hon. Member in reply to his question on the 28th April, I consider the present practice of the railway companies in this matter to be both necessry and entirely justifiable, in view of the reduced cost of travel by season ticket and the extensive frauds which, I regret to say, were preva- lent under the less stringent conditions which once obtained.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider it right to rob honest people? Is that the policy of His Majesty's Government?

Sir E. GEDDES

No. I think it would be very wrong to rob honest people.

Mr. PALMER

If a season-ticket holder has inadvertently left his ticket at home, is it fair that he should be charged twice for the same journey?

Sir E. GEDDES

In my opinion it is quite right.

Sir J. D. REES

Is it not the case that a railway company only undertakes to carry a passenger upon the condition that he produces his ticket when asked for it?

Sir E. GEDDES

Certainly.

18. Sir A. BIRD

asked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that the Great Western Railway Company have announced their intention of discontinuing after 30th June the interavailability of season tickets with the London and North Western Railway Company between London and Wolverhampton, enjoyed since 1914; and will he make representations to the managements of the two companies against the cessation of this great convenience to business men?

Sir E. GEDDES

I am making inquiries with the two railway companies concerned?

Lieut.-Colonel Sir F. HALL

Where railways are running practically between the same termini, is it not possible to extend the advantage of having the option of travelling by either line?

Sir E. GEDDES

As I said, I am making inquiries.

Sir F. HALL

As a general principle.