HC Deb 29 June 1966 vol 730 cc1785-6
49. Mr. Rankin

asked the Minister of Transport if she will refer the decision of British Railways to impose a compulsory service charge of 12½ per cent. on all bills at their hotels to the National Board for Prices and Incomes.

Mr. John Morris

My right hon. Friend sees no case for doing so.

Mr. Rankin

Is my hon. Friend aware that the imposition of a charge of this nature has no legal sanction whatsoever and is an indirect method of raising the cost of living and its ultimate purpose will be to destroy the idea that lies behind the work of the National Board for Prices and Incomes? Will not my hon. Friend reconsider this Answer?

Mr. Morris

There is no question of illegality here.

Mr. Rankin

Of course there is.

Mr. Morris

What is happening is a rationalisation by which British Transport Hotels are coming into line with the general practice in hotels today.

Mr. Rankin

In view of the answer just given, I beg to give notice that I will raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible moment.

Forward to