§ 21. Mr. Gallacherasked the Minister of Transport why it was found necessay to cancel a number of special trains with cheap return fares for parents of child evacuees during June and July; and whether he will ensure that adequate cheap-fare facilities are provided for all such parents in the future?
§ 19. Sir Frank Sandersonasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the lack of cheap travel facilities to enable parents to visit children billeted in the various parts of the London reception area is causing parents great anxiety; and, as many of the children have already returned on this account, will he consider an assured service either by rail or coach, say once every three months, which would meet all requirements?
§ Sir J. ReithIt was necessary to cancel the special cheap rail facilities for parents visiting their children in reception areas partly because of the transport of troops and other movements to put this country in a position of defence and partly because of the numbers of children being moved to new areas. I hope it may be possible to provide some cheap facilities towards the end of this month, but that must depend on the military situation. Details will be announced later.
§ Mr. GallacherIs the Minister aware of the great concern of parents who have found it impossible to get the necessary facilities to visit their children, and will he take every step to ensure that nothing is left undone to enable parents to visit their children?
§ Sir J. ReithYes, Sir; I know how much parents wish to visit their children, and facilities will be restored wherever possible as soon as possible.