HC Deb 21 October 1942 vol 383 c1963
44. Mr. Martin

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport under what conditions, in existing circumstances, passengers may travel in the guard's van where no other accommodation is available on a train?

Mr. Noel-Baker

Under normal circumstances, passengers are not permitted to travel in guards' vans. In exceptional circumstances, the stationmaster may authorise passengers to travel in guards' vans when he is satisfied that this is not likely to impede the guard in carrying out his duties.

Mr. Martin

Is my hon. Friend aware that in practice this is left to the guards and they have very diverse standards, some allowing half a dozen and others only one or two? Does not my hon. Friend think it desirable to establish some sort of uniformity?

Mr. Noel-Baker

Human nature is always variable. These are the instructions given to the railway personnel, but I will have the point looked into.

Viscountess Astor

Are guards, like Members of Parliament, variable?