§ 30. Mr. T. JOHNSTONasked the Prime Minister the intentions of the Government regarding the question of free railway passes between the House and the constituencies represented by hon. Members; and if he is aware that while some Members may now reach their constituencies on payment of a few pence, other Members are compelled to spend from £5 to £10?
§ 31. Captain BERKELEYasked the Prime Minister whether he is now in a position to state whether arrangements can be made to issue free railway passes to Members travelling between their constituencies and London?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe negotiations have proceeded so far that I can state that the railway companies are willing to issue to each Member a season ticket between a specified station in his 1900 constituency and London for a lump sum covering all Members. We are now considering what would be a fair amount, but no binding bargain can be made without the approval of Parliament.
§ Mr. JOHNSTONWhen is it the intention of the right hon. Gentleman to ask Parliament finally to decide the matter?
§ The PRIME MINISTERAs soon as I can make a full statement. I do not think I can do that at the present moment.
§ Mr. BECKERWill this include third-class sleeping cars?