HC Deb 13 September 1939 vol 351 cc623-5
10. Mr. R. C. Morrison

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that, owing to the air-raid warning on 6th instant, many workpeople were un able to start their journey to work until the all-clear at about 9 a.m., with the result that they had to pay full fare instead of workman's fare; and will he ask the London Passenger Transport Board whether, in similar circumstances in future, they will arrange for work people to get their cheap tickets as usual?

11. Mr. Stephen

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that working people were refused workmen's tickets at the reduced rate on 6th September when they reached the station somewhat later after being held up by the air-raid signal; and what steps he intends to take to see that the working population are not penalised by such warnings in future?

Captain Wallace

It has been decided that, in the event of air-raid warning signals being given to the general public during the times when holders of workmen's tickets are usually conveyed and workpeople being unable in consequence to travel by the authorised workmen's train services, workmen's tickets will be available for issue for a period of 20 minutes from the sounding of the "all clear" signal.

Mr. R. C. Morrison

Does not the right hon. and gallant Gentleman agree that 20 minutes is an exceedingly short space of time, particularly in view of the fact that the "all-clear" signal does not go simultaneously in all districts, and in view of the fact that there has been some divergence of opinion among the public as to whether the "all-clear" signal has gone or not?

Captain Wallace

I hope the hon. Gentleman will appreciate that this question is a very much more difficult one than appears on the surface. I intend to go into it further, but I will be perfectly honest and say that I think in present circumstances the concession offered by the railway companies is not an ungenerous one. With regard to air-raid warnings, the hon. Member will remember that the Home Secretary recently made a statement on the subject, and 1 hope and believe we shall have a synchronisation of the "all-clear" signals all round.

Mr. Morrison

Does not the right hon. and gallant Gentleman appreciate that on the last occasion this happened, there were enormous crowds around the tube stations and that it would have been quite impossible to supply them all with tickets in 20 minutes?

Captain Wallace

I fully appreciate that, and I hope the House will agree that I have done my best in the circumstances. [Hon. Members: "No."] I have not closed my mind to the possibility of making some better arrangement, but the matter is a good deal more complicated than hon. Members may think.

Mr. Garro Jones

Does not the right hon. and gallant Gentleman recognise that the very fixation of this period of 20 minutes indicates a complete lack of consideration of the whole problem? What is to happen if there are successive air-raid warnings, which could be brought about by no more than 20 or 30 bombing machines advancing towards the country at various times of the day? Can the right hon. and gallant Gentleman assure us that the whole question will be reconsidered in a more practical manner?

Captain Wallace

Certainly. I have already said that I am prepared to give further consideration to it. With regard to what the hon. Member said about aeroplanes coming from time to time at different hours of the day, I would point out that this applies only to certain hours of the day. I will do my best to make a better arrangement as soon as I can possibly do so.

Mr. Thorne

Would it not be advisable, when there are air-raid warnings, that the men who have workmen's tickets should use them after the "all-clear" signal, without having to get new tickets?

Captain Wallace

That is one of the subjects I intend to consider further.

Mr. J. J. Davidson

In view of the general feeling in the House, if a question is put down will the Minister be able to answer it, after further investigation, in a week's time?

Captain Wallace

I hope so, but I cannot give any definite promise.

Forward to