HC Deb 06 August 1941 vol 373 c1937
27. Mr. Tinker

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport, whether he is aware of the Inconvenience caused to soldiers on train journeys when they travel with equipment on leave; and will he consider making provision for them to place it in a luggage van adapted specially for that purpose?

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport (Colonel LIewellin)

Main line trains are already made up to their full capacity, and further vehicles cannot be added. I am therefore afraid that we are unable to adopt my hon. Friend's suggestion.

Mr. Tinker

Is there nothing that the Minister can suggest to get over this difficulty? Should not some attempt be made to make travelling more comfortable for the soldier?

Colonel LIewellin

I think the difficulty is due to the fact that if a soldier is carrying his pack and rifle, he rather likes to keep an eye on them in the train.

Mr. Tinker

He is not so keen on them as that.