§ 65. Mr. FINNEYasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to complaints respecting increased fares to miners and other workers who travel by train to and from the place of their employment, and that in some cases it is alleged the increase is considerably over 100 per cent. as compared with previous rates; and whether he will cause inquiries to be made and issue a statement showing the distance travelled and rate charged per person per day, per week, or longer period, as the case may be, in July, 1914, and at the present time on branch and main lines in North and South Staffordshire, and in Warwickshire, with a view to a more satisfactory arrangement of fares for workmen's trains referred to?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of TRANSPORT (Mr. Neal)My attention has been drawn to certain complaints of this nature. Workmen's fares were increased as from 1st September, 1920, and on the average the fares now in operation throughout Great. Britain show an increase of 85 per cent. over those in operation in August, 1920. Increases were limited by a decision of the Government to a maximum of 2s. per week. If the hon. Member desires more detailed particulars and will inform me what specific points he has in mind, I will have further enquiries made. I would remind him that under Sections 60 and 78 of the Railways Act, 1921, representations can be made to the Rates Tribunal for a reduction in fares.