§ 24. Mr. Ridleyasked the Minister of Transport whether he can now announce 1035 the terms of the report of the Charges (Railway Control) Consultative Committee on the matter of increased railway costs; and what steps he proposes to take?
§ Lieut.-Colonel Moore-BrabazonThe report of the committee is being printed, and copies will be available at the Vote Office within a few days. The committee's main recommendations are that no increase be made in the charges for season tickets, in workmen's fares, or in ordinary fares on the services of the London Passenger Transport Board except the coach services; and that other fares and charges be increased by approximately 6 per cent. The increase of 6 per cent., plus the 10 per cent. which came into force on 1st May represents an increase of 16⅔rds per cent. over pre-war charges. The Government have decided to accept these recommendations, and I shall make an Order accordingly.
§ Mr. RidleyDoes this mean that the £46,000,000 of increased costs is not now to be secured by the increased charges? Has the Minister under review any subsequent reports, or any further recommendation in contemplation, for further increases?
§ Lieut.-Colonel Moore-BrabazonOf the £46,000,000, the 10 per cent. charge looks after a certain amount, and this extra 6 per cent. clears it up. There is, of course, a lag because we did not introduce it earlier, but it should look after itself unless any untoward war damage comes along. As I have said in answer to another Question, the agreement is rather in the melting-pot by virtue of the new arrangement which the Prime Minister adumbrated with regard to war damage. That was wrapped up in the agreement, and the question will therefore have to be re-considered from rather a new angle.
§ Mr. SilkinWill the Minister give the House an opportunity of discussing these proposals before he actually makes the Order?
§ Lieut.-Colonel Moore-BrabazonNo, Sir, I am afraid the Government have decided on this increase. Of course, a general Debate could take place upon the report.
§ Mr. SilkinSurely a Debate is of no use if the proposals have been decided 1036 upon, because the House would not have an opportunity of discussing the rejection of them. Will the Minister give the House an opportunity to consider the proposals before they are accepted?
§ Lieut.-Colonel Moore-BrabazonThe position has already become bad because of the increasing lag which is occurring due to increases in costs. It is my duty to see that the railways are healthy, and I cannot allow the matter to drift on and the position to get worse and worse.
§ Lieut. - Colonel Moore - BrabazonHealthy.
§ Sir Percy HarrisDoes the Minister realise that the travelling public are being given poorer facilities at a higher charge?