§ 61. Mr. GILBERTasked the Minister of Transport whether, as the Christmas holidays will in many industries and businesses be at least three or four days, he will ask the various railway companies who are considering excursion trains for Christmas whether such cheap tickets can be made available for a longer period than one day, as during the summer months, in view of the fact that many of the public desire to travel long distances in order to spend Christmas at their homes?
§ Sir E. GEDDESThe consideration referred to by the hon. Member was specifically mentioned in the letter which I sent to the railway companies asking for their views on the practicability of running excursion trains at Christmas.
63. Captain TERRELLasked the Minister of Transport if he can inform the House whether, in view of the coming Christmas reunion, there is any reason why the railway companies should not, if they cannot themselves issue cheap tickets, permit, as before the War, the chartering of special trains at approved rates so that the public by collective effort might take the opportunity of revisiting friends and relatives at a reduced outlay?
§ Sir E. GEDDESAs I have stated, I am hoping that it will be possible to offer excursion facilities during the coming Christmas holiday season, and I expect to be able to make an announcement within the next few days. I would point out, however, that if the railway companies themselves are unable to run special trains at cheap fares it is not likely that they will be able to run them for anyone else as suggested by the hon. and gallant Member.
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSWill the right hon. Gentleman see that all these trains are made to pay their way so that there will be no further demand upon the public exchequer?
§ Sir E. GEDDESThe principle upon which all these matters have been considered, as the House is well aware, is 921 that they shall increase the net revenue; to that principle we shall adhere. Of course—as the House is also aware—I am frequently pressed to give facilities which will not increase the net revenue.
§ Sir W. JOYNSON - HICKSHaving regard to the state of the public finances, will the right hon. Gentleman undertake not to press anything upon any railway company that will increase the charge upon the public revenue?
§ Sir E. GEDDESThe principle upon which these facilities are judged is whether or not they will increase the net revenue.
Captain TERRELLIs it not a fact that the railways will never pay their way so long as the Government try to run them?
§ Sir E. GEDDESThe Government does not run the railways.