HC Deb 10 June 1942 vol 380 cc1058-9
62. Sir Smedley Crooke

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the good work freely and regularly done by the members of the Birmingham Voluntary Service under the "Get You Home Scheme" by giving up their nights' rest and using their motor-cars, meeting trains which arrive at stations between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. to take serving men with their equipment to their homes who otherwise would have to wait at stations until the early omnibuses and trams started to run; and will he, on reviewing the particulars of the scheme which has been sent to him, consider the advisability of ensuring the future supply of coupons for the necessary petrol for this service which will be paid for as hitherto by the members?

The Financial Secretary to the War Office (Mr. Duncan Sandys)

My hon. Friend will appreciate the need for the utmost economy in the use of petrol. I can, however, assure him that in considering how the available petrol shall be allotted among the various Army welfare services, the valuable work carried out under this scheme will be borne in mind.

Sir John Wardlaw-Milne

Will my hon. Friend bring it to the notice of the authorities considering this matter that this purely voluntary organisation has transferred to their homes no fewer than 3,000 Service men, and that each month one branch of the organisation alone is dealing, at Birmingham, with about 150 men?

Mr. Sandys

I shall be glad to bring it to the notice of my right hon. Friend.