HC Deb 07 October 1942 vol 383 cc1201-2
32. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether, in view of the increased expense of travelling imposed on many people through the abolition of cheap-day fares in and to London, he is prepared to reinstate these fares where it can be shown that their abolition has not resulted in fewer trains or omnibuses being run or passengers carried; whether he will avoid imposing extra financial burdens on passengers who will still have to travel whatever the fare may be; and whether part of the intention in abolishing cheap fares is to increase the revenue from transport?

Mr. Noel-Baker

I am afraid that my hon. Friend's suggestion would prove impracticable. While my Noble Friend appreciates that the withdrawal of the cheapday fare may in some cases increase the cost of essential travel, he considers that it was a necessary measure, and that to make exceptions would create unmanageable problems. I would remind my hon. Friend that, except for local journeys on the railways of the London Passenger Transport Board, monthly return rail tickets are now available wherever the cheap-day rail tickets have been withdrawn. I would assure my hon. Friend that the sole purpose of the decision made was to reduce unnecessary travel, and not to increase transport revenue.

Mr. Sorensen

Could not my hon. Friend after an experimental period find out whether travelling has been reduced and, if it has not, re-establish the cheap fares?

Mr. Noel-Baker

I am afraid that would create differences of fare between different routes, which would lead to great grievances and perhaps undesirable diversions of traffic. If after an experimental period my hon. Friend presents new evidence, I shall be glad to look at it.

Mr. Sorensen

I cannot calculate how many passengers travel. Would my hon. Friend supply me with the evidence after two months?

Mr. Noel-Baker

If my hon. Friend will put another Question in two months' time, I will give another answer.

Mr. Thorne

Is my hon. Friend aware that the withdrawal of these cheap day fares costs at least 6s. a week to some workers?

Mr. Noel-Baker

If my hon. Friend will give me facts which point to greater hardship, I will have them looked into, but I think on the whole it will be found that this is a necessary measure which does not cause undue hardship.