§ Mr. G. HALLasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether he will make representations to the railway companies in favour of a reduction in third-class railway fares and workmen's railway tickets?
§ Lieut.-Colonel ASHLEYThe railway companies have announced that the ordinary passenger fares will be reduced on and from 1st January next, but state they cannot agree at present to any reduction in workmen's fares. I would remind the hon. Member that the Minister has now no power of directing the railway companies as to their charges, but that Sections 60 and 78 of the Railways Act, 1921, provide a means by which representations may be made to the Rates Tribunal for a reduction in such charges.