HC Deb 02 February 1948 vol 446 cc1448-50
8 and 9. Mr. Wadsworth

asked the Minister of Transport (1) if he wig standardise the system of giving concessions for workmen's tickets on the British Railways, to avoid the situation where, in densely populated areas, workmen can mostly enjoy this privilege, whereas in less densely populated areas this privilege often is refused;

(2) if he will raise the age at which children can enjoy the benefit of half fare on the British Railways to the school leaving age which is now 15.

22. Mr. Bossom

asked the Minister of Transport what is the reason that he cannot make a workable arrangement now that the Government has control of the railways that would enable clerical workers to have the same privileges of cheap travel that are available for artisans, mechanics and labourers.

24. Mr. Bramall

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the fact that children of 14 can no longer be wage-earners, he will advise the British Transport Commission to raise the age for half-fares on their trains and road vehicles from 14 to 15.

Mr. Barnes

Such arrangements are matters for the Commission, and I am bringing the hon. Members' Questions to their attention.

Mr. Bossom

Is it not ridiculous to segregate one section of the community and give them a privilege, while cutting off another, who do equally good work for the country, and refusing to give them the same rights?

Mr. Barnes

That may be the case, but, as I have indicated, this is a matter which will now have to be considered by the Commission when they are reframing the whole of their charges, rates and schemes for submission to the Transport Tribunal.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Are not the matters raised in Questions 8 and 9 of major public interest, and does the right hon. Gentleman's answer mean that the House is to be denied any opportunity of obtaining answers from the responsible Minister?

Mr. Barnes

I do not think it is legitimate to draw that conclusion. Members are aware that under the Control Agreement the fact that the nation paid the whole of the rent of the railways meant that every conceivable Question could be asked. With the passing of the Transport Act the position has been altered. In any case, by 1st January this year the whole situation would have been altered whether the railways were under their original ownership, or under the Transport Commission.

Mr. Leslie Hale

Will my right hon. Friend say whether all these anomalies and difficulties have arisen since 1st January, or whether they existed before that date?

Mr. Barnes

They existed before, but, as I have explained, Members of the House were entitled to put Questions of detail then because the State paid the rent of the railways. Since 1st:January, however, the date of decontrol, it has not been legitimate to put such Questions to the Minister.

Mr. Wadsworth

Will the right hon. Gentleman promise that this matter will be considered by the Commission at an early date?

Mr. Barnes

The hon. Member can use his imagination, but it would not be based very much on fact.