HC Deb 03 May 1938 vol 335 cc680-1
14. Mr. R. C. Morrison

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that on Good Friday the main Folkestone-London road was congested for a considerable period by convoys of Army vehicles carrying L signs, each containing a load of learners; and whether, in the interests of road safety, he will take steps to keep Army vehicular traffic of this description off main roads at holiday times?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

The House will attach full value to the fact that the extent to which the statement in the question is true is a measure of the public spirit of Territorials who gave up their Easter holiday for a national service.

Mr. Morrison

Is it essential for large concentrations of army mechanical transport and tanks to be on main roads on Bank Holidays? Could the Minister not make arrangements whereby warnings could be broadcast or issued through the Press to motorists and cyclists who may also be using the main roads, so that they may avoid them and save congestion and delay?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

These Territorials can only give up their spare time during a holiday, and I think it is equally essential that they should use the roads for a public service as that civilians should use them.

Mr. Morrison

I hope the Minister will not misunderstand me. This question is not put down in any spirit of hostility to the Territorials, but, in view of the fact that on the Thursday evening before Good Friday an important officer of the Ministry of Transport broadcast a request that motorists should exercise every precaution during the holiday season, would it not have been helpful, in the interests of public safety, if people who might be likely to use these main roads could have been warned of the fact that congestion and danger might occur?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

I do not think I misunderstood the spirit of the question, which directly asks me to take steps to keep Territorials off the roads at holiday times. I have explained that the only time at which the Territorial, as such, can give his time for service of this kind is during the holidays. I do not see how we can put the civilian traffic off the roads, and I hope the public will have toleration and respect for those who are giving up their holidays for this service.

Mr. Gallacher

Surely the Minister does not think it desirable that the Territorials giving this service should be allowed to interfere with the holiday convenience of civilians?

Mr. Morrison

Will the Minister take some steps to advise the public in future?

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