§ 78. Sir H. NORRISasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that in pre-War days it was the universal custom for all railway companies in the United Kingdom to allow members of football, cricket, and other athletic clubs travelling together for the purpose of taking part in a bona fide cricket or foot ball match or other athletic game to 28 travel at the reduced fare of a single fare and a quarter for the return journey; whether during the War that privilege was withdrawn and has not since been resumed; whether, in his opinion, the time has now arrived when the old privileges might safely be restored to members of such clubs, especially having regard to the fact that even then the reduced fare would entail an increase of 75 per cent, over the pre-War fare; and, if so, whether he will take the necessary steps accordingly?
§ Sir E. GEDDESI am aware that in pre-War days cheap fares concessions were granted by the railway companies to football, cricket, and other athletic clubs, and that these concessions have been withdrawn. I have already requested the Rates Advisory Committee to review the whole question of travelling facilities by railway at rates lower than the ordinary. I am awaiting their Report, and meanwhile am unable to restore particular concessions. I have great sympathy with the hon. Member's point of view, but I am sure that he will realise that any concession to a particular class of travellers must be borne by the rest of the travelling public, unless it brings new business, and that is being carefully watched. I hope it may be desirable shortly to do something in the direction indicated, and I had taken the question up with that in view.
Mr. J. JONESWill the right hon. Gentleman use his influence with other Departments to get the landlord's to reduce their rents at the same time?