HC Deb 22 July 1924 vol 176 cc1121-2
51. Mr. BECKER

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state the cost per Member per annum for the free travelling facilities; how many Members have availed themselves of the free travelling warrants; and has information been obtained as to whether the railway companies would charge any more money per annum to give Members a season ticket to travel upon all lines to any destination in the United Kingdom?

Mr. GRAHAM

I should be glad if the hon. Member will repeat the first two parts of his question after the Recess, when I hope to be in a position to give him some information on the matters to which he refers. With regard to the last part of the question, I have not thought, and do not think, it necessary to inquire as to the cost of giving every Member a season ticket entitling him to travel to any point in the United Kingdom.

Mr. BECKER

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the amount of money apportioned already for tickets comes to £140 per Member per annum, and a trader's season ticket can be got from London to Aberdeen for £140?

Mr. GRAHAM

I think the hon. Member should take these figures with very great caution. When we have a little more information, after the Recess, I hope to make a detailed statement, and I think that the House had better await that information.

Mr. W. THORNE

At the time my hon. Friend made his statement giving the cost of this particular matter, did he anticipate that the cost of this railway travelling was to be subject to deduction of Income Tax?

Mr. SPEAKER

That is another question.