HC Deb 31 July 1940 vol 363 cc1212-3
10. Mr. Robertson

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will request the London Midland and Scottish Railway Company to stop making a compulsory tipping charge to sailors, soldiers and airmen using the dining-car services?

The Minister of Transport (Sir John Reith)

A minimum charge in lieu of tips is paid by all passengers using London Midland and Scottish dining cars, first and third, and I do not feel justified in asking the company to discriminate between them.

Mr. Robertson

Does my right hon. Friend realise that the Government are in an invidious position, inasmuch as they are participating in these things either by saving of wages or by the guarantee, or by sharing profits, and will he also take into account that fighting men cannot afford these charges?

Mr. Shinwell

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I have heard soldiers in a train complaining about having to pay 1s. 3d. for a bottle of beer, 3d. being the tip? Why should they have to pay the extra 3d.?

Mr. Lyons

Is not the railway company being subsidised by public funds?

Sir J. Reith

I do not know what a bottle of beer costs in a railway carriage.

Mr. George Griffiths

A bottle of ginger beer then?

Sir J. Reith

I will try to find out. What I do know is that in platform buffets there are discriminating, special rates for members of His Majesty's Forces.

Mr. Hubert Beaumont

Will the right hon. Gentleman also consider proposing to the railway companies that they should offer a lunch at less than half-a-crown, which, unfortunately, the soldiers cannot pay?

Sir J. Reith

Yes, I am quite prepared to pass on that suggestion.

Mr. Denville

Will the right hon. Gentleman try to secure facilities for soldiers, sailors and airmen while travelling similar to those in the buffets?