§ Sir J. Mellor (by Private Notice)asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he can make any statement as to the need for restricting passenger travel during the winter months, and what steps the Government proposes to take?
§ Colonel LlewellinThe railways are working under heavy pressure owing mainly to two factors, of both of which we should be proud. One is the increasing production of munitions and of coal in this country, the other the fact that we have sent abroad a substantial number of our best locomotives in order to assist the Russian armies. Freight traffic essential to the war effort must have the transport it needs. It is therefore necessary to reduce passenger services, not only through the Christmas period, but throughout the winter months. We have decided to withdraw a further number of long distance passenger trains, all restaurant cars on congested routes and a substantial number of sleeping cars. Details of the first of the trains to be withdrawn arc being published immediately.
§ Sir J. MellorWill advantage be taken of these restrictions to ensure punctual local services for workers in the factories?
§ Colonel LlewellinWe do our best to ensure punctual local services, especially for those working in the factories.
§ Mr. TinkerWill any available space in the first-class accommodation be allowed to be used if third-class accommodation is overcrowded?
§ Colonel LlewellinThere will be no alteration in that respect to the' rules already in force.
§ Mr. TinkerDoes that mean that people can go into first-class compartments if all the third-class carriages are over-full?
§ Colonel LlewellinWhere all third-class places are full it has, for a long time, been the rule that people shall be allowed to take places in first-class compartments.
§ Mr. George GriffithsWill the right hon. and gallant Gentleman see that there is no first-class compartment reserved for any Government official—that there shall be no first-class compartment for one person to lie down all the way up?
§ Mr. MathersWill the right hon. and gallant Gentleman realise the importance of maintaining sleeping-car accommodation as far as possible for those who have to travel long distances and do work at both ends of their journey?
§ Colonel LlewellinYes, we realise the importance of that. A certain number of "sleepers" will be reserved for Government traffic, and also a certain number for Members of Parliament.
§ Mr. R. J. TaylorWill the right hon. and gallant Gentleman make an improvement in transport that will enable workmen to present themselves for work at the proper time and enable them to get home in reasonable time?
§ Colonel LlewellinYes, Sir, certainly. We are, I think, every week improving the trains that run to and from our large factories. It is a very big problem, as the hon. Member will realise.