HC Deb 30 September 1942 vol 383 cc759-60
33. Mr. Keeling

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he is aware of the waste of coal and man-power in running special trains to and from airports for British Airways passengers who could be carried in the ordinary trains; and whether he will ask the Railway Executive not to authorise such trains as long as special trains for holidays are refused?

Mr. Noel-Baker

I cannot accept my hon. Friend's suggestion that the running of these trains involves a waste of coal. They were authorised because the traffic could not economically or conveniently be carried by the ordinary trains. Apart from that consideration, my hon. Friend will, I am sure, recognise the urgent importance of making the overseas air services as rapid and as reliable as possible. They are not used for pleasure or recreation, and the running of special trains in connection with these overseas services cannot properly be compared with holiday services.

Mr. Keeling

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that when people see these special trains running—on one day last month there were fewer than 15 passengers—they find it very difficult to believe that the Government are in earnest in their appeal for coal economy? Will he look again into a matter which constitutes a scandalous case of unfair privilege?

Mr. Noel-Baker

With great respect, I cannot accept the suggestion that this is unfair privilege. I have looked into it very carefully. Nearly every day the addition of the air service coaches to an ordinary train would mean double heading the ordinary train, with a loss of engine power and engines which could be used for heavy freight traffic. This service is only for people engaged on urgent Government work, and if they missed their plane it would be very much against the national interest.

Mr. Keeling

That is not true.

Mr. Shinwell

But are we to ask miners to provide coal so that these people can have special privileges?

Mr. Noel-Baker

I have explained that in our view this does not involve a waste of coal. It is, possibly, a coal economy.

Mr. Shinwell

Why?

Mr. Noel-Baker

Because light passenger engines, instead of heavy passenger engines, are used.