Mr. A. T. DAVIESasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the practice of the London District Railway Company in putting on ticket collectors at the time when homeward traffic is seriously congested between the hours of five and six; whether he is aware that these ticket collectors demand excess fares from all the persons riding in the first-class carriages, many of whom are workpeople; and whether he will make representations to the District Railway Company that this 1284W practice of charging excess fares under the circumstances shall not be followed unless and until the company provide adequate accommodation in the third-class carriages?
§ Mr. NEALI have been asked to answer this question. I am informed by the District Railway Company that the holders of first-class season tickets have complained that they are unable to secure the accommodation for which they have paid, because it is occupied by holders of third-class tickets. Under these circumstances, the company have found it necessary to take the course described, and I do not think that their action is unreasonable.