HC Deb 27 September 1939 vol 351 cc1317-8
20. Mr. W. H. Green

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that, owing to the withdrawal of cheap fares on the railways, many parents of the poorer class will find it impossible to visit their children who have been evacuated; and, as this may lead to many parents bringing their children back to dangerous areas, will he make such representations to the railways as may make possible the issue of cheap tickets to parents for this purpose at stated intervals?

21. Sir Richard Wells

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the hardship and inconvenience caused by the withdrawal of cheap day tickets on the London suburban railways; and whether it will be possible to restore them at an early date?

Captain Wallace

I would refer to the reply which I gave on this subject to the hon. Member for Leyton, West (Mr. Sorensen) on 20th September. I am sending the hon. Members a copy of that reply to which, as at present advised, I cannot add anything.

Mr. Green

Is the Minister aware of the serious position in which the poorer parents are being placed in that they will be unable to visit their children who have been evacuated and that many of us have received many letters from parents stating that their children will be withdrawn?

Captain Wallace

If the hon. Gentleman will be good enough to read the reply to which I have made reference to-day, I think he will recognise that I cannot at the moment add anything to what I said a week ago.

Mr. Thurtle

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that this is a very real grievance in the East End of London, and will he at least promise to reconsider the question fairly quickly?

Captain Wallace

If the hon. Gentleman will look at the answer to which I referred he will see that I have promised to do so, and I will.

Mr. Sorensen

Seeing that he has referred to the answer given to me last week, may I ask the right hon. and gallant Gentleman whether he will not at an early date announce to the general public, and to those who have been evacuated, some facilities to enable people to visit their children and relatives in the way suggested?

Captain Wallace

I am bound to repeat that I must have regard to the considerations which I set out in the answer to which I have already referred.

Forward to