HC Deb 29 July 1942 vol 382 cc502-3
39 Dr. Russell Thomas

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport (1) the number of drivers of military age in the employ of the London Passenger Transport Board on the outbreak of war and the number of the reduction of omnibus services since that time;

(2) how many conductors, general workers, etc., of the London Passenger Transport Board of military age have been promoted to drivers and temporary drivers since the outbreak of war; and what period of training do they undergo;

(3) how many conductors, general workers, etc., of the London Passenger Transport Board of military age have been promoted to inspectors since the outbreak of war; and how many are reserved by being classed inspector-temporary-driver?

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport (Mr. Noel-Baker)

As the reply consists mainly of a table of figures, I will, with my hon. Friend's consent, circulate the answer in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Dr. Russell Thomas

May I ask my hon. Friend in view of the fact that many allegations have been sent to me that the London Passenger Transport Board with the blessing of the General Transport Workers' Union have classified conductors, inspectors and others as temporary drivers—although they still continue in their duties as conductors and inspectors—thereby avoiding military service, if this is the reason the London Passenger Transport Board have not asked for the deferment of their conductors and inspectors?

— Central Buses. Country Buses and Coaches. Trams and Trolley Buses. Total
1. Number of Drivers of Military age employed at outbreak of war 4,331 1,374 2,081 7,786
2. Number of Conductors of Military Age promoted to Driver since outbreak of war 534 623 787 1,944
3. Average period of training of Conductors as Drivers 4 weeks 4 weeks 2 weeks —
4. Number of Conductors of Military age promoted to Inspectors since outbreak of wax 53 15 34 102
5. Number reserved as Inspectors—Temporary Drivers Nil Nil Nil Nil

No general workers have been promoted to drivers and no general workers have been promoted to inspectors since the outbreak of war The number of motor omnibuses in the Central Bus services has been reduced by 833, and the number in the Country Bus and Coach services increased by 106 since the outbreak of war.