§ 34. Sir Leonard Lyleasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport why, since the contemplated ban on entrance to areas within the 10-miles depth from the coast of the so-called restricted areas must affect the train services should occasion arise, there is to be a ban on the notification to intending passengers that journeys to such areas cannot be completed and should therefore be abandoned?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerThe restrictions imposed by the military authorities will not necessarily affect train services to the restricted areas, since parcels, mails, and authorised passengers, for example, members of His Majesty's Forces, will still have to be carried. As my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary explained in his statement on 30th March, it will not be possible for the military authorities to make any general public announcement as to the nature, time, or place of any restrictions which may be imposed. The 606 Railway Companies will not, therefore, be able to notify intending passengers.
§ Sir L. LyleIs it not a fact that the traveller will himself know in two hours' time, or whenever he gets to his destination, that there is a ban, and might he not be told this at the railway station and thus avoid unnecessary travel and hardship later?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerThe right course for him to adopt, I suggest, is when in doubt to inquire locally, before starting the journey, whether any restrictions have been imposed.
§ Sir L. LyleIs the Minister aware that I have already been told there is nobody to inquire from?