HC Deb 16 October 1940 vol 365 c688
28. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has made any arrangement to engage Army lorries for passenger transport during periods of emergency in the London area?

Lieut.-Colonel Moore-Brabazon

Sufficient ordinary public service vehicles are available and are providing all possible services, and I do not consider that any need has arisen for the step suggested by my hon. Friend.

Mr. Sorensen

Will the Minister at least consider the idea if he finds any cases of shortage of public vehicles? Is he aware that in some cases thousands of travellers have had to wait for vehicles to carry them?

Lieut.-Colonel Moore-Brabazon

I will certainly bear in mind what my hon. Friend says, and I will get into touch with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War; but my hon. Friend will realise that this is a slippery slope.

Sir Herbert Williams

Is the Minister aware of the very great difficulties that masses of people have in getting home in the evenings? In these circumstances, will he not sanction the use of the very large number of motor coaches at present lying idle in London garages?

Lieut.-Colonel Moore-Brabazon

I will certainly look into that straight away, but the general congestion of the roads has to be considered.

Sir H. Williams

Is not congestion in the London streets far less than it was before the war?

Lieut.-Colonel Moore-Brabazon

It depends where.