HC Deb 14 June 1939 vol 348 cc1326-7W
Mr. Sorensen

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the widespread indignation existing among the travelling public from suburban London at the increase in fares now operating; how many resolutions of protest in connection with this he has received; whether he has made any representations to the Railway Rates Tribunal or the London Passenger Transport Board on behalf of those affected by the increase in fares; whether he will take legislative action to remove a cause of the increase in fares by redeeming certain Transport Board stock or by securing a lower rate of interest thereof; and whether he will seek a guarantee that no further increases in fares will be effected?

Captain Wallace

I am aware that dissatisfaction is felt in some quarters at the recent increase of fares in the London transport area and I am receiving a deputation on the subject to-morrow morning. About a dozen protests from individuals, ratepayers' associations and one urban district council have been received in my Department.

Mr. Barnes

asked the Minister of Transport whether he was consulted by the London Passenger Transport Board before the adoption of the revised scale of fares; whether he is aware that on some routes in the East End of London the withdrawal or alteration in the cheap midday fares will add as much as 33 per cent. to the cost of travelling to passengers using those routes; that this will inflict hardship on many workpeople who use these cheap midday fares to get home for their midday meal; and what steps he is proposing to get these fares modified?

Captain Wallace

The Board are not under any obligation to consult me before they adopt revised fares and they did not do so in the case of those brought into force on the 11th June.

I am aware that the alterations in the cheap mid-day fare arrangements to which the hon. Member refers entail increases of varying amounts. The alterations are within the powers conferred on the Board by the London Passenger Transport Act, 1933, and did not require the prior sanction of the Railway Rates Tribunal under the provisions of Section 29 of the Act.

With regard to the last part of the hon. Member's question I would refer him to the answer which I gave on Wednesday last to a question on this subject by the hon. Baronet the Member for South-West Bethnal Green (Sir P. Harris).