§ Mr. R. Morganasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport what steps will be taken to preserve cheap travel for part-time students whose advanced technical education necessitates journeys during 40 weeks of the year and costing £10 per annum or more?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerAs I said in a reply to my hon. Friend the Member for London University (Sir E. Graham-Little) on 14th October, the withdrawal of cheap day tickets was a necessary measure which my Noble Friend adopted with great regret. I would, however, remind my hon. Friend that various reduced rates for railway travel are still available for part-time students, including season tickets. Season tickets are issued at half-rates to persons under 18 years of age who earn not more than 25s. per week.
§ Mr. Frankelasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he will reconsider the withdrawal of the 1s. day tickets and the system of return fares in the London area in view of the hardship which is being caused to many working people who 2309W travel not for pleasure but to earn their livelihood?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerThe shilling all-day tickets on trams and trolley-buses and the cheap day return tickets on railways have been withdrawn in order to reduce unnecessary travel. These tickets were only issued after the hour of 10 a.m. They were originally introduced as concessions designed to encourage travel during off-peak periods. I am aware that their withdrawal may in some cases increase the cost of necessary travel. I regret that this is so; but as I am sure my hon. Friend will understand, to make exceptions would create unmanageable problems.