HC Deb 03 March 1931 vol 249 cc198-9
53. Mr. O. LEWIS

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the amount that he anticipates would be saved during the fiscal year 1931–32 if provision were made for Members of the House to travel between London and their constituencies third-class instead of first-class?

Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCE

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on the 17th February to the hon. and gallant Member for Gains-borough (Captain Crookshank).

Mr. LEWIS

Will the hon. Member seriously consider the desirability of recommending this alteration to the House as a temporary measure, on the ground that it will be a demonstration of the sincerity of the desire of this House for public economy?

Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCE

We had a long Debate on this question the other day, and I do not feel inclined in answer to a question to add to what was then said.

Mr. OLDFIELD

Is it not a fact that this rather unworthy agitation springs entirely from certain hon. Members who are quite wealthy enough to pay the difference between first and third-class fares?

HON. MEMBERS

Like you.

Mr. ERNEST WINTERTON

Can the hon. Member tell us how many Members have voluntarily relinquished the claims on the fares fund and paid their own expenses?

Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCE

I could not give that information without notice, and then I should have to consider whether it was desirable to give it.

Mr. R. A. TAYLOR

Is there anything to prevent any sincere Member from travelling third-class, and how many have done so?

Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCE

It has already been said that there is nothing to prevent any Member travelling third-class if he chooses to do so.

Mr. TAYLOR

Are there third-class carriages on the trains to Gainsborough?

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