HC Deb 22 July 1942 vol 382 cc17-8
21. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he is aware of increasing difficulties and hardship experienced by relatives and friends visiting hospitals and sanatoria in Essex owing to withdrawal of coaches; whether he will inquire into the matter, particularly as affecting patients at Broomfield Sanatorium, near Chelmsford, and arrange for an adequate transport service both to and from that and other institutions visited periodically from a distance; and whether he is satisfied that the drastic curtailment of road transport facilities in Essex is fair to coach and omnibus concerns and also the public need?

Mr. Noel-Baker

The curtailment of long-distance road services in Essex, as in other parts of the country, was necessary in the national interest, in order to save imported fuel and tyres. I am asking the Regional Transport Commissioner to look into the facilities to Broomfield Sanatorium and will communicate with my hon. Friend.

Mr. Sorensen

Will the hon. Gentleman look into the facilities at some of the other institutions, and is he aware that the curtailment of these services is imposing very grave hardship on members of the travelling public who have to get about from place to place, and could he not make a proper survey of all the services in Essex, with a view to ensuring their proper coordination?

Mr. Noel-Baker

I have looked into the cases of a number of sanatoria and have made improvements with regard to some of them.

Mr. McEntee

Will the hon. Gentleman also inquire into facilities for visiting Black Notley Hospital?

Mr. Noel-Baker

If my hon. Friend will write to me about that, I will certainly look into it.