HC Deb 20 September 1939 vol 351 cc925-7
15. Sir Frank Sanderson

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the serious inconvenience which is being caused by the drastic reduction in railway. and in particular, suburban services, and in view of the fact that the country needs an efficient and adequate railway service to an increasing extent due to the population having been scattered and many families divided, will he take steps to increase the facilities immediately he is in a position to do so?

18. Sir Herbert Williams

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can make any statement as to the improvement of railway services both local and long-distance?

Captain Wallace

I am aware that the curtailment of normal railway services has caused inconvenience to the public but I think that the reasons for it are generally appreciated. I am glad to say that the situation has progressively improved and that during the past 10 days the railway companies have been able to add considerably to the number of passenger trains, particularly in suburban districts. The situation is being watched from day to day and I can assure my hon. Friends that the companies will provide the best possible passenger service-consistent with the movement of exceptionally heavy freight and other traffic of an urgent national character.

Sir F. Sanderson

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that I fully appreciate that the position has improved since I put the question down?

Mr. Benjamin Smith

Will the Minister undertake to consider the question of road transport in so far as its drastic limitations, both as to passengers and goods, are throwing an overwhelming burden upon a limited railway service?

Captain Wallace

I am not sure that I appreciate the precise point of the hon. Member, but considerations like that are never out of our mind. If the hon. Gentleman has any particular case in mind I should be glad to have it.

Mr. Smith

Is it not obvious that, as the road transport services are severely curtailed, the only method of transport for goods or passengers is the railways, and that, as the railways are also curtailed, nothing that can be done with the railways qua railways will solve the problem?

Mr. Macquisten

Are we not now paying the penalty of restricting road transport?

Captain Wallace

The petrol rationing scheme for road transport has not come in yet, and I hope and believe that when it does hon. Members will see that it is not so dreadful as some people have made out.