§ 23. Sir John Mellorasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he will take steps to accelerate the issue of railway tickets at congested stations?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerThe rate at which tickets can be issued is governed primarily by the amount of accommodation and the number of staff available. Within these limitations, all possible steps are already being taken to secure that there is no avoidable delay. I would, however, remind my hon. Friend that many passengers now travel on vouchers or warrants which have to be scrutinised, appropriate tickets issued, warrants endorsed, and various entries made. This inevitably causes delay at booking offices.
§ Sir J. MellorAs the delay largely arises from the exchange of Service warrants, will the hon. Gentleman enable the Services to issue a form of warrant which shall be valid as a ticket?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerMy hon. Friend's suggestion has been considered and looked into very carefully, but it would involve very great bookkeeping difficulties, and it has been decided that it is not practicable.
§ Mr. WatkinsMay I ask whether, in view of the very large number of railway 1979 clerks who have been called up to the Fighting Forces, those who remain are not doing a first-class job of public service under extreme difficulty?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerI think the railway clerks are doing extremely well. If anyone has reason to fear he will be delayed at the booking office, he can always buy a ticket in advance at an agency.
§ Sir Ralph GlynWill the hon. Gentleman point out to the Minister of National Service that if many more trained clerks are called up, the public interest must suffer?