asked the Minister for Defence if he will grant to all single N.C.O.s serving in the Army a free travelling voucher as granted to all other ranks; and, also, if he will make whatever arrangements are necessary to have all fares on bus, rail and tram reduced for the Army during the remainder of the emergency.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Travelling Privileges.
All members of the Forces are afforded rail travel at single fare and one-quarter on presentation of the prescribed Army form at the railway booking office. In view of the generally better financial circumstances of single non-commissioned officers, compared with privates or married non-commissioned officers, it is considered that the issue of free travelling vouchers in the case of single non-commissioned officers would not be justified. Reduced fares are granted to a limited extent by one company in respect of soldiers travelling by bus but, as another company which previously allowed extended facilities to soldiers found it necessary to withdraw the concessions two years ago as a result of the transport situation, no useful purpose would be served by endeavouring to obtain further facilities in respect of travel by bus. Having regard to the reduced tram services, it is not proposed to make any representations in the matter of reduced tram fares for soldiers.
At the moment a single man who, because he is a good soldier, is promoted to the N.C.O. rank, loses the privilege of getting free travelling vouchers to his home, although privates or married non-commissioned officers get such vouchers.
We cannot do anything in respect of the single non-commissioned officer.