§ 3. Mr. George Wallaceasked the Minister of Transport if he will ensure that workmen's tickets on surburban services be made available until 8.30 a.m. for all trains arriving at London termini.
§ Mr. BarnesNo, Sir. If workmen's tickets were made available until 804 8.30 a.m. in the London area, they would be used by many people who now take season and ordinary tickets, and the purpose of the specially low fare allowed on workmen's tickets would thus be defeated. The change might also cause passengers who now travel before 8 a.m. to travel later, and thus lead to still greater pressure on services which, at their loading peak, are already heavily taxed.
§ Mr. WallaceIs my right hon. Friend aware that there is a considerable social problem involved in my Question? Perhaps he will be good enough to have an investigation made into the number of people who have to wait around London stations an hour or more before their offices open, because they cannot afford the cost of a season ticket?
§ Mr. BarnesI am aware of that, but I would ask my hon. Friend to study the answer I have given.