HC Deb 23 February 1943 vol 387 cc46-7W
Mr. Groves

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he is aware of the saving by railway companies through the discontinuance of the practice of heating trains; and whether he will consult the railway authorities so that such saving can be reflected in fares charged to the travelling public?

Mr. Noel-Baker

Normally trains are heated from 1st October until 30th April. In order to save fuel, the heating of trains, other than long distance night trains, did not begin this winter until 1st November, and will be discontinued after 31st March. Apart from other considerations, the saving in expenditure is relatively so small that it would not be practicable to reflect it in a reduction of fares.