Major NEWMANasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the resentment felt by the travelling public at the continuance of the excess charge on season and ordinary railway tickets; and 320W whether this charge is continued to meet the higher cost of running the railway systems or to check the public using them?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThe whole question of the removal or modification of restrictions on railway travelling, both as respects increased charges and otherwise, is receiving constant consideration. My right hon. Friend is fully aware of the feeling of the public in regard to those restrictions, but I am afraid I can hold out no hope of an early reduction in the charges for season or ordinary tickets. The present position of the railways renders the continuance of the charges necessary.