§ 65 Commander King-Hallasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that an occasion recently occurred in which more than 100 passengers from London to Paris were obliged to embark upon the cross-Channel packet at 11 p.m., although it was known the vessel would not sail till 9 a.m.; and that, in view of the fact that there were only six cabins in the vessel and very limited accommodation in the saloons, many passengers were obliged either to lie on, or walk the deck all night; and why the passengers were not allowed to spend the night at an hotel and embark in the morning?
§ Mr. BernaysMy attention has not been called to the incident to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers, but if he will furnish me with further particulars, including the date, I will make inquiries and will let him know the result as soon as possible.
§ Commander King-HallWhile thanking my hon. Friend for his reply to my Question, may I ask him whether he is aware that on the same occasion 100 passengers who had left London en route for Marseilles at the same time as those who had left London en route for Paris were allowed to spend the night on shore and pass on board at eight o'clock the next morning; and will he broaden the scope of his investigation to see whether he can improve the facilities between this country and France?
§ Mr. BernaysNo, Sir, I am not aware of the incident to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers, but I may add that my right hon. and gallant Friend is anxious as far as practicable under wartime conditions to improve conditions of travel.
§ Mr. ThurtleWill the Minister see that civilians suffer no discomfort whatsoever during the war?
§ Commander King-HallIs the hon. Gentleman aware that among those who suffered discomfort was a large number of officers and men returning from the B.E.F. on leave from France?