§ Mr. NICHOLasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport if he is aware that, while announcements have been made of reductions in ordinary passenger fares on the railways early next year, no such announcement has been made with reference to workmen's fares, which have been increased by from 130 to 200 per cent, above pre-War rates, the pre-War workman's fare between Glasgow and Clydebank being 1s. is at present 3s. per week; and, since wages have been so 1523W considerably reduced, if he is prepared to take all possible steps to reduce these fares also?
§ Lieut.-Colonel ASHLEYI am aware that the main line railway companies in announcing reductions in ordinary passenger fares to operate from the 1st January next, stated that they did not propose to make any reduction in workmen's fares. I am, however, arranging for a copy of the hon. Member's question to be sent to the companies. I would remind the hon. Member that the Minister has now no jurisdiction over railway charges, but that Sections 60 and 78 of the Railways Act, 1921, provide a means by which representations can be made to the Rates Tribunal for reductions in such charges. Under the provisions of the London Electric Railways (Fares, etc.) Act, 1920, the reduction in ordinary fares announced by the Underground Railways subject to that Act to take effect on 1st January next will involve corresponding reductions in workmen's fares.