§ Mr. Garro Jones(by Private Notice) asked the Minister of Transport whether, having regard on fhe one hand to such factors as expected Service leave, rejoining of separated families, the volume of parcel post and the like, and on the other hand the risk of clogging the railway transport system, he has taken any measures to initiate restrictions on Christmas traffic, and whether to avoid disappointment he will immediately caution the public that plans for nonessential Christmas travel and traffic should not be made pending the further announcement of the restrictions?
§ Lieut.-Colonel Moore-BrabazonThis important question of Christmas is under the immediate consideration of the Government, and an early statement will be made on the matter. So far as I am concerned, I can assure by hon. Friend that an announcement regarding travel at that time will similarly be made at an early date.
§ Mr. Garro JonesDid my right hon. and gallant Friend hear the broadcast of the Postmaster-General yesterday, in which he stated that the most extensive preparations were being made for carrying on Christmas traffic on the full normal scale; and has he consulted with the Service Departments, the Post Office and the Ministry of Home Security as to the degree of risk of a breakdown of the system which he could permit at Christmas time in view of the conditions?
§ Lieut.-Colonel Moore-BrabazonI did not hear the broadcast because I could not get on to anything. After the major announcement of policy has been made by the Government, it will, of course, be the duty of my Department to correlate the results with other Departments concerned, such as the Post Office.
§ Mr. Garro-JonesIs the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the preparations are now being made, parcels are being bought and people are arranging to travel, and will he make an immediate announcement to prevent unnecessary disappointment?
§ Lieut.-Colonel Moore-BrabazonI cannot add anything until the major question has been settled by the Government. Immediately that has been announced, I can get busy in my Department.
§ Lieut.-Colonel Moore-BrabazonWithin 48 hours.