HC Deb 11 March 1942 vol 378 c1055
41. Mr. Liddall

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he will make inquiries as to the number of sleepers provided each week-end to enable men holding temporary positions in Government Departments to travel from London to their homes on Friday nights, and return to London from their homes on Sunday nights?

Mr. Noel-Baker

All Government Departments have received a standing instruction that sleeping berths can be reserved by the Ministry of War Transport only for officials who are obliged to travel by night on business of national importance. I have no reason to suppose that this rule is being disregarded. I would, however, remind my hon. Friend that persons not eligible for reservations by my Department are entitled, like any other members of the public, to reserve surplus berths, if any are available, through the railway companies.

Major Lyons

Will the hon. Gentleman satisfy himself as to the business of national importance for which so many sleepers are taken on Friday and Sunday nights?

Mr. Noel-Baker

That is a matter which is constantly engaging my attention, but what I need are facts. If my hon. and gallant Friend will supply me with specific cases of abuse, I will have them looked into.

Sir H. Williams

I shall be very glad to oblige.