§ Major O'NEILLasked the Minister of Transport whether the Midland Railway (Northern Counties Committee) have abolished as from 1st November all reduced-fare concessions to teachers under the Technical Education Department; whether the announcement of this decision was made only 10 days before it was to come into force and after the technical schools affected had started their winter's work; and whether, in view of the grave injury to technical education in county Antrim which will be caused by this action on the part of the railway company, he will at any rate arrange that the alteration n fares shall be postponed until after the winter term's work?
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§ Sir E. GEDDESThe withdrawal of reduced-fare concessions granted by the Irish railway companies to teachers under the Technical Education Department, and of other cheap tickets, was rendered necessary on account of the financial position of the Irish railways, and I am afraid I can hold out no hope of their reinstatement at present. I am communicating with the railway company as to the period of notice given and will write to the hon. Member later.