asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how many Members of the present House representing constituencies outside London and the Home Counties have used Government railway warrants?

Mr. GUINNESS:

I am informed that railway warrants have been issued to 427 Members representing constituencies outside London and the counties of Middlesex, Buckingham, Essex, Hertford, Kent and Surrey.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that in some countries, to save all this trouble and worry and turmoil, the Government have issued a badge to their respective Members of Parliament to put on their watch-chains so that they can travel about where they like?

Mr. GUINNESS:

Parliament decided that travelling facilities could only be given to Members between Parliament and their constituencies.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think there is any possible chance of the Government considering the matter of supplying each Member with a badge, so that they can travel where they like?

Mr. GUINNESS:

That would involve very heavy expenditure, which it would be difficult to justify in these days when economy is so necessary.

An HON. MEMBER: How many constituencies are included?

Mr. GUINNESS:

I should like notice of that question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many London Members have to pay from 10s. to 25s. a week for travelling between their constituencies and the House of Commons, and that they get no advantage from this scheme at all?

Mr. GUINNESS:

Of course, they are entitled to use railway warrants, and in a small number of cases they do so.