HC Deb 03 February 1942 vol 377 cc1038-9
37. Major Lloyd

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he has consulted the Railway Executive Committee with a view to increasing the sleeping-car facilities between Glasgow and London; and what advice has been given in this connection?

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

I am advised that sleeping accommodation on the trains between Glasgow and London could only be increased at the expense of reducing the seating accommodation or by the substitution of third-class sleepers for first-class sleepers.

Major Lloyd

Has my right hon. and gallant Friend consulted the Railway Executive Committee, and is that their reply?

Colonel Llewellin

This reply has been received from the London Midland and Scottish Railway.

Sir H. Williams

Is it not the case that there is no shortage of sleepers but that there is a shortage of locomotive power, and that if trains were run slower they could have more sleepers?

Colonel Llewellin

No, Sir, that is not the case. The problem is caused by a shortage of locomotive power. We have trains going between London and Glasgow with as many coaches as the engines will take.

Sir H. Williams

If they go slower, could not the engines take more coaches?

Colonel Llewellin

On the other hand, there has been criticism that they do not go fast enough.

Mr. Kirkwood

Is the Minister aware that if they go much slower we shall not arrive here at all?

38. Major Lloyd

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport what further representations he has received from the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce contending that there is inequity in the distribution of sleeping berths between Glasgow and London, to the serious detriment of important business engagements; and what steps he is proposing to take to rectify this position?

Colonel Llewellin

I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend copies of the most recent letter from the Chamber of Commerce, and of the reply which has been sent.