HC Deb 18 February 1941 vol 369 cc30-1
34. Mr. J. H. Hollins

(for Mr. Thorne) asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the Albert Dock workers are having much trouble in getting home because, on dog-racing days, people coming away from the last race at 4.10 p.m. take up all the places on omnibuses, leaving none for the men leaving work at 4.30 p.m.; and what action he proposes to take about this matter?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport (Mr. Montague)

I have made inquiries and find that the traffic from the stadium is cleared about half an hour before the dockers leave work and does not, therefore, interfere with the workers. Moreover, the trolleybus route terminates at the Albert Dock, and the dock workers board the vehicles before they reach the stadium.

Mr. Hollins

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I have had a letter of complaint, saying that on this occasion the trolley buses were turned round in Prince Regent's Lane, and also a letter from the undertaking, which states very definitely that they are prepared at all times to consult with the Minister of Transport? It is not their desire to interfere with the convenience of the dock workers. Have those consultations yet taken place, and should they not have first consideration?

Mr. Montague

The trolley buses to which the hon. Member refers are 12 extra buses which are turned round to deal with the stadium crowd. That is before the dock workers leave work.

Viscountess Astor

Does the right hon. Gentleman really think that it is in the spirit of the times to have 12 extra buses to deal with people who go to the dogs, and does he not think the Government ought to take a moral stand about this matter?

Mr. Montague

That is not a question for me to deal with, but for the Minister of Home Security.

Mr. Shinwell

Why should there be any kind of special facilities provided for the devotees of dog racing at a time of national emergency? Can my hon. Friend give a considered reply?

Viscountess Astor

Is it not about time the House of Commons did something, as the Government will not take action?

Mr. Montague

The merits of dog racing is not a question into which I am really entitled to go. It is solely a matter for the Minister of Home Security.

Mr. Shinwell

Does not my right hon. Friend understand that if transport facilities were not provided, these dog-racing meetings could not proceed, at all events to the same extent? Is he not aware of the reports in the Press the other day that the bookmakers at a particular South Coast greyhound track took more money in the course of one day's racing than they have taken on several occasions at Newmarket?