§ Mr. G. BARKERasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport if he is aware that the Midland Railway Company are charging a single third-class fare of 1s. 2d. from Redbourn, Herts, to St. Albans City, a distance of only five miles; that a motor omnibus runs between Redbourn and St. Albans on Wednesdays and Saturdays at a single fare of 7d.; what is the goods freightage on rail per mile between Redbourn and St. Albans and the number of miles charged for; and will he take steps to protect the public against these charges by the Midland Railway Company?
§ Mr. NEALThe distance by railway between Redbourn and St. Albans is 8 miles 10 chains, and for this distance the third-class fare at the present time is 1s. 2d. The rates for merchandise by goods train would also be based on this distance, but would vary according to the classification of the goods carried. I am not in a position to take any action in the matter, but it is within the discretion of the railay companies to reduce their charges as they deem expedient, and under Sections 60 and 78 of the Railways Act, 1921, it is open to any trader or representative body of traders to apply to the rates tribunal to reduce the charges.