§ 33. Mr. STRAUSSasked the Minister of Pensions whether, in view of the fact that only the cost of cheap railway tickets, which do not entitle the holder to compensation in case of accident, is allowed to pensioners undergoing treatment at a distance from their homes, he will consider the advisability of defraying the cost of ordinary tickets?
§ The MINISTER of PENSIONS (Mr. F. O. Roberts)The requirement that for the purpose of travelling at public expense a return ticket at reduced rate, 599 where such a ticket is available, should be taken is of general application in the public service, and I have no evidence that any modification of this rule is called for.
§ Mr. STRAUSSMay I ask whether it is not the fact that many of these pensioners, in order to protect themselves in case of accident, pay for an ordinary ticket out of their own pocket?
§ Mr. ROBERTSI have no such information, but, if my hon. Friend will give it me, I will make inquiries.