HC Deb 24 March 1942 vol 378 c1789
35. Colonel Colville

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he is in a position to announce an improvement in the travelling facilities available for the residents in Pilton Housing Scheme, Edinburgh?

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

The travelling facilities provided for the Pilton Estate have been carefully considered by the Regional Transport Commissioner in conjunction with the authorities of the Edinburgh City Corporation and of the London, Midland and Scottish Railway Company. There is a frequent bus service running through the heart of the estate and a special census, which was recently taken, showed that the service was adequate. I regret therefore that I should not be justified in pressing the local transport authorities to provide further facilities.

Colonel Colville

Is my hon. Friend aware that the development of this estate means that there is a very large population living some distance from the bus route, and will he discuss the point with me in view of this aspect of the matter?

Mr. Noel-Baker

I shall certainly be very glad to discuss it with my right hon. and gallant Friend, but I would like to point out that the longest walk to the bus service is only half-a-mile, and I am afraid that in these days people will have to get used to walking that distance.

Colonel Colville

But is it not a fact that a number of workers who travel regularly to work often find that the buses are full when they reach that point?

Mr. Noel-Baker

I am informed that the bus service is every four minutes, and that it has been shown by a census that it very rarely happens that people have to wait for more than one bus.