HC Deb 22 January 1941 vol 368 cc158-9
23. Mr. Butcher

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the railway companies have increased their charges for deposit in their cloakrooms from 3d. to 4d. per article; what justification there is for this increase of 33⅓ per cent.; and whether he will arrange for a reduction?

Lieut.-Colonel Moore-Brabazon

The increase from 3d. to 4d. is in accordance with my recent Order, under which the charges were increased on 1st December, 1940, by 16⅔ per cent., subject to the rule that in determining the amount of the additional charge fractions of 1d. if less than one-half are to be dropped and if one-half or more are to be charged as 1d.

Mr. Butcher

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the increase is levied on each article and that if three articles are deposited the charge is raised from 9d. to 1s.? Will he stop that practice at least?

Lieut.-Colonel Moore-Brabazon

You must relate it to the individual pieces. You cannot relate it to the whole thing.

Mr. George Griffiths

Is the suggestion that 25 per cent. should be put on the original cost for tips?

Lieut.-Colonel Moore-Brabazon

That does not come within my province.