HC Deb 18 June 1941 vol 372 cc637-8
30. Mr. Tinker

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether he will give consideration to removing the term "Third-class passengers" on railways and having one class only, as this would help to remove the congestion caused by travellers getting in wrong compartments, and would also give better satisfaction?

Colonel Llewellin

In general the abolition of first-class accommodation would diminish the convenience of railway travel without providing commensurate relief in other directions.

Mr. Tinker

Has not the time come when we should drop this class distinction? We are fighting for a common cause;, and it is hard for Members of Parliament to see private soldiers pushed out of the carriage in which they are sitting to some other part of the train. I want the Parliamentary Secretary to take note of this, because some change is necessary now.

Colonel Llewellin

It is not really a case of any class distinction. A large number of people now using first-class railway accommodation are on official business and do a good deal of work in their carriages, and for that reason I think such a distinction is necessary.

Mr. A. Edwards

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that I recently travelled in a crowded train on which an official of his Department occupied a compartment to himself? Is that justified?

Colonel Llewellin

If the hon. Gentleman will tell me the occasion, I will see that these compartments are not fully reserved in that way.

Mr. Edwards

I wrote a letter to the Parliamentary Secretary's Department a few weeks ago. The gentleman was Mr. Frank Pick.

Colonel Llewellin

I do not think the hon. Gentleman wrote to me.

Mr. Edwards

No, it was before your appointment.

Mr. Tinker

I beg to give notice that I will raise this matter again, on the Adjournment, at the earliest opportunity.