HC Deb 11 March 1936 vol 309 cc2123-4
43. Mr. KELLY

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has had a reply from the London Passenger Transport Board and the railway authorities on the claim for suitable travelling facilities at cheaper rates than those now operating for young persons working in London and neighbourhood?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

Jurisdiction over the fares charged by the board and the railway companies in the London Passenger Transport Area is vested in the Railway Rates Tribunal.

Mr. KELLY

Are we to understand that no such communication has reached the Minister of Transport regarding the fares paid by young people?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

Reached me from what source?

Mr. KELLY

From the Ministry of Labour.

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

Yes. The Ministry of Labour did communicate with me on the subject, and I have replied.

Mr. KELLY

Did that reply contain any satisfactory solution?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

I have explained in my answer that this matter is within the purview of the Railway Rates Tribunal.

59. Mr. KELLY

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has investigated the likelihood of railway and other transport authorities giving special facilities for young people starting work in the early morning or leaving their work at a, late hour at night?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd)

It is already the practice, when considering any application for an Order authorising two shift employment of women or young persons, to make enquiries as to the transport facilities available for those living at a distance, and to include where necessary a condition in the Order to enable the Secretary of State to call upon the employer to make special arangements for the conveyance of such workers where the ordinary transport services are inadequate. No further action seems necessary.

Mr. KELLY

Do I understand that, in view of the legislation now operating in regard to industry, investigations are being made to see whether the railway companies will do this in all districts of the country?

Mr. LLOYD

No, the hon. Gentleman is labouring under some misapprehension. The provision in the Order is more direct than that which he has in mind; it lays the obligation on the employer himself if unsatisfactory conditions exist.