HC Deb 31 July 1936 vol 315 cc1858-9
8. Mr. ATTLEE

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the special disabilities imposed upon a large number of Members of this House arising from the long distance between their constituencies and Westminster and the need for frequent night journeys by rail, the Government would be willing to extend the existing travelling facilities for Members by the provision of free first-class sleeping berths between London and their constituencies?

Mr. W. S. MORRISON

My right hon. Friend has recently received representations from a number of Members of all parties whose constituencies are distant from London urging that the facilities asked for in the right hon. Gentleman's question should be granted. He thinks that the proposal is a reasonable one and the Government are prepared to accept it. The new arrangement will come into operation on the reassembly of the House after the Summer recess.

Mr. MATHERS

As one who will benefit by the concession, may I thank the Treasury for it; but may I ask whether the Financial Secretary is aware that in bringing it into operation he will deprive the employés at London terminal stations on Monday and Tuesday mornings of a certain amount of amusement?

Mr. DUNCAN

Is the hon. and learned Member aware that London Members will receive no benefit from this concession and, therefore, when considering facilities for hon. Members generally will he consider facilities other than soporific?

Mr. WESTWOOD

As the hon. Member who presented the requisition may I, on behalf of my right hon. and learned Friends who signed the petition, thank the Government for the concession, which will be specially appreciated by Scottish Members?

Mr. DENMAN

Will the concession be extended to the analogous case of Pullman cars, where the train consists solely of Pullman cars?

Mr. W. S. MORRISON

Regulations will be issued covering each type, and, I hope, will be in the hands of hon. Members before the concession becomes operative. I would ask hon. Members to wait on points of detail.

Captain C. BROWNE

May I thank the Treasury for the concession on behalf of hon. Members from Northern Ireland?

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