§ 89. Mr. Marloweasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that persons intending to attend the volunteer agricultural camps find that the customary concessionary rail fare, return ticket at the cost of single fare, no longer operates; and, as this may affect attendance for this necessary work, if he will represent to the Transport Commission the desirability of restoring this concessionary rate.
§ Sir T. DugdaleThe concession to which my hon. and learned Friend refers is one that was given annually. The Railway Executive are not prepared to reintroduce it this year and, to judge from the number of bookings to date, their decision is unlikely seriously to affect attendances at the volunteer agricultural camps this year. I do not propose to make representations to the Transport Commission in this matter. Our greatest need is for volunteers for the root harvest in October and November, and my Department will continue to refund rail fare up to 25s. on a return ticket to volunteers who attend the camps during those months.