§ 59. Mr. Denvilleasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War 10 Transport whether he will consider giving instructions that soldiers travelling by train should not be compelled to pay a service charge for their food; is he aware that Sapper E. Hall, No. 4342381, travelling between Newcastle and Perth, was charged 2s. 9d. for a plain breakfast, this including 3d. for service; and will he cut out service charges for uniformed forces?
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport (Colonel Llewellin)As I stated last week in reply to a Question, special arrangements have been made for the supply of food to soldiers travelling by rail, most of whom, in any case, carry rations for the journey when travelling on duty or going on leave. In the circumstances I do not think that discrimination in charge, between soldiers and other passengers, in restaurant cars would be justified.
§ Mr. DenvilleWould the Parliamentary Secretary put a stop to compulsory tipping by soldiers?
§ Colonel LlewellinThis service charge is operating on two of the railway companies by agreement with the staffs of their restaurant cars. People have a charge of 2d. on bills up to 1s., 3d. for bills between 1s. 1d. and 2s. 6d., and so on, and there is no necessity whatever for a tip in addition to the service charge. This arrangement is similar to that in force at a number of catering establishments, and I think it right that the men serving on these trains should get some form of gratuity.