HC Deb 16 June 1942 vol 380 cc1373-4
39 and 40. Mr. Ellis-Smith

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport (1) when the considered reply on the question of North Staffordshire transport is to be sent; on what date did the North Staffordshire Consultative Committee last meet; what has been done since that meeting; and when the people are to be provided with adequate transport;

(2) whether he is aware that much improved transport facilities is an urgent necessity in the North Staffordshire area; that a great strain has been put on the workpeople during the past winter; and, in view of the increased employment of women, the provision of adequate transport is urgent, and should be provided as soon as possible in view of the serious situation which will arise next winter if nothing is done meanwhile?

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

The North Staffordshire Transport Consultative Committee last met on 26th January, 1942. Since then a working committee of operators has been dealing with complaints and preparing a plan for co-ordinated services. Additional buses have been drafted into the area. The spare parts position has been improved and additional staff has been provided for operation and maintenance. The result of these measures has been a substantial improvement in the services, but further efforts will be made to ensure that transport arrangements shall be adequate, especially in the winter months. For this purpose I think that staggering of working hours in the pottery industry will be necessary, and I shall be grateful for any help which my hon. Friend can give me to secure its adoption.

Mr. Smith

In view of the growing need in this area in regard to transport and the difficulties which will arise next winter if action is not taken, will my hon. Friend see that the Consultative Committee and other interested authorities are called together as soon as possible to deal with the situation?

Mr. Noel-Baker

The working committee of operators of which I spoke is preparing a plan, and I think the next step is to expedite that plan. I will certainly consider sympathetically my hon. Friend's proposal that the Committee should meet again.

Sir Herbert Williams

Have adequate steps been taken to provide spare parts which are urgently needed for essential service vehicles?

Mr. Noel-Baker

I think that the system is working very well, but if my hon. Friend has any complaint, I shall be glad to look into it.

Mr. Mack

Is regard also being taken for the needs of Newcastle-under-Lyme?

Mr. Noel-Baker

If my hon. Friend will submit any facts he has, I shall be glad to look into them.