asked the Minister of Transport whether it is the intention of the Government to increase railway fares; and, if so, can he state the amount of increase and the date when these increases are to be put into force?

I would refer the hon. Member to Command Paper 815 and to the replies given to a similar question by the hon. Member for South Molton on the 12th July. The Government is most desirous of causing as little inconvenience as possible, consistently with the principle that the railways must be put upon what is estimated to be a self-supporting basis. It is not proposed to increase the charge for ordinary tickets before the 5th August, which will meet the case of the Bank Holiday traffic.

Will the hon. Gentleman take into consideration the fact that a very large number of the working classes have to take their holidays during August?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that these men are compelled to take their holidays at that period in order to meet the needs of industry and the calls upon it?

Yes; the Government are fully aware of the inconvenience of increasing the railway fares during the holiday period, but the longer the increase is delayed the greater the amount of it must be if the necessary funds are to be raised within the period which is open.

Mr. C. PALMER:

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that while the working classes in many cases can afford to pay these extra fares it is the vast middle classes who will suffer most?

May I ask the Leader of the House, in view of the answer which has been given, will the House adjourn for the Recess before 5th August?

I have no such hope.

Will the business principle be applied that the more miles you take the cheaper the miles will be?