§ Mr. Critchleyasked the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has made to British Rail Sealink and Townsend Thorensen Ferries following the decision of both concerns to do away with reduced fares hitherto granted to British Service men serving in West Germany.
682W
§ Dr. Gilbert:Normal fare concessions to Service men which provide discounts of about 20 per cent. on fares payable by the general public still apply. However, recent changes made by the operators to their tariff conditions will in future prevent members of Her Majesty's Forces in Western Europe from purchasing their return tickets for cross-Channel travel in sterling through United Kingdom agencies. This practice had grown up as members of the forces sought to take advantage of movements in exchange rates. Representations have been made both by Headquarters British Forces, Germany and by the Ministry of Defence.