HC Deb 04 April 1922 vol 152 cc2014-5
95. Sir JAMES BRUTON

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether the raliway companies have now restored to commercial travellers all the pre-War privileges they formerly enjoyed; and, if not, will he represent to the railway companies the earnest hope of commercial travellers that they may again be granted the same facilities for trading extended to them for so many years?

Mr. NEAL

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Ashton-under-Lyne on the 12th ultimo, a copy of which I am sending him.

Sir J. BRUTON

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that his reply of 13th March was that he was informed that the railway companies proposed substantially to restore the pre-War facilities of commercial travellers, but that the restoration has been confined to week-end tickets?

Mr. NEAL

No, I am not quite familiar with the position as to cloak room charges, but I will look into it, and communicate with the hon. Member.

Mr. WATERSON

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the privileges given to commercial travellers before the War on some companies have not yet been restored while others have done it, and will he take steps to get those conditions restored by those railways which have so far refused?

Mr. NEAL

I understood they had been generally restored, but the Government have no power to control railway companies in these matters.