HC Deb 11 March 1942 vol 378 cc1052-4
38. Major Lyons

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether, in view of the congested condition of railway travel, the need to prevent all unnecessary journeys and the restrictions on tyres and petrol, he will make a statement in connection with the avoidance of holiday travel and the limitation of services, so that plans may be known as early as possible, essential journeys safeguarded and unnecessary expenditure prevented?

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

The question of holiday travel is engaging my close attention. My Noble Friend, in his broadcast last Sunday, has explained the arrangements which the Government think it desirable to make in the immediate future for dealing with the Easter problem. But for the reasons stated in his Question by my hon. and gallant Friend, drastic economy will be required throughout the coining months in the use of transport for any purposes not connected with the war effort of the nation. While, therefore, the Government are anxious that all war workers should have one week's holiday during the coming summer, it will not be possible to provide facilities for long-distance holiday travel. It is, therefore, desirable that industrial and other enterprises should arrange to stagger their holidays as much as possible, and it is hoped that many people will spend their holidays either in the neighbourhood of their homes or in walking or cycling.

Major Lyons

Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind, with reference to the vital need for stopping unnecessary travel, that when such an appeal has been made on previous occasions it has been met by an extensive programme of special trains arranged for the holidays? Will he take the necessary steps to see that what he said is in fact enforced and that no such facilities are allowed by the railway companies for the forthcoming holiday period?

Mr. Noel-Baker

The policy that has been adopted is that there shall be no special trains for holiday traffic and that at all times as much of the available transport as possible shall be reserved for Government servants, members of the Armed Forces and those engaged in direct war production.

Sir H. Williams

As about 90 per cent. of the people who take long distance journeys do not pay their own fares, will the hon. Gentleman have an inquiry as to the extent to which those journeys are necessary?

Mr. Noel-Baker

That matter is very closely controlled by my Department. All Government Departments receive strict instructions concerning the travel of their own officials and those working for them.

Sir H. Williams

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that some officials have sleepers on Friday and Sunday nights to go home and back?

Mr. Noel-Baker

There is a later Question on that point, and I hope the hon. Gentleman will listen to what I say.