HC Deb 17 March 1920 vol 126 cc2206-7
75. Mr. JAMES BROWN

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will give effect to the strongly-expressed desire of the provost and citizens of Rothesay for facilities to workmen to get from Rothesay to Greenock in time for work; whether he is aware that there are 75 men drawing out-of-work benefit who could get and would be glad to get employment at Greenock; that there are besides from 150 to 200 men whose homes are in Rothesay but who are compelled to lodge in Greenock for lack of these facilities; that there is a steamer lying idle from 6.30 p.m. to 7.45 a.m. which could easily do the journey from Rothesay to Wemyss Bay, connecting with a workman's train to Greenock; and that only a slight alteration in the evening train service would be necessary in order to give the facilities desired?

Mr. NEAL

This matter has already received very careful consideration in consultation with the Caledonian Railway Company, but I find that the suggested service could only be given by additional overtime on the part of the crews of the steamboats, and that the revenue which would be derived would not in any way be commensurate with the outlay involved. In these circumstances, I regret that it is not considered expedient at the present time to give the service suggested.

Mr. BROWN

Does the hon. Member not think that the saving of the out-of-work benefit paid to these 75 men would compensate the Ministry for any outlay in the direction suggested?

Mr. NEAL

Those are facts which necessarily have been taken into account, but it is by no means sure that all these men would use the service if it was found practicable to restore it.

Mr. BROWN

Is the hardship which these men suffer not taken into consideration?

Mr. NEAL

Certainly. Any case of hardship is considered, but unfortunately this Ministry, like others, has to balance matters between convenience and inconvenience, and endeavour to arrive at a just result.