§ 10. Mr. Ness Edwardsasked the Minister of Labour whether he has inquired into the large amount of absentee ism in war production in South Wales, due to the inadequate and congested transport arrangements; and what he pro poses to do to remedy the position?
§ Mr. BevinMy information is that difficulties due to absenteeism in South Wales are decreasing. My local officers are constantly occupied with the difficulties of transporting workers to and from their work arising from the special features of that area and they are in close touch with the Regional Transport Commissioner as well as the other interests concerned.
§ Mr. EdwardsIs the Minister aware that representations have been made about the transport position, which is still as bad as it was months ago? Is he aware that in a valley in the constituency that I represent hundreds of women are left stranded every morning and cannot get to work because buses do not turn up?
§ Mr. BevinThat raises the whole question of the fundamental organisation of transport, and in that connection I am about to consult my Noble Friend the Minister of War Transport.
§ Mr. Henderson StewartIs the Minister of the opinion that this is the only cause of absenteeism?