§ 24. Sir F. Sandersonasked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the fact that wage rates have increased by 57 per cent. and the cost of coal has risen by over 120 per cent. since 1939, railway fares and charges have been increased by 137W only 162/3 per cent. above prewar, an adjustment of fares and charges is proposed to be made with a view to meeting the increased charges and to maintain the railways on a sound financial basis.
§ Mr. Barnes:The increasing discrepancy between the costs of railway working and the current level of charges to which the hon. Member refers has naturally en-engaged my attention but I am not at the moment in a position to make any statement.