HC Deb 04 August 1943 vol 391 cc2285-6
40. Mr. Tinker

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he is aware of the serious inconvenience caused to passengers on long railway journeys that when the train arrives at one of the big stations on the way there are not adequate means to provide them with liquid refreshment; and whether he will consult with the railway companies to provide a supply of good drinking water easily accessible to the passengers?

Mr. Noel-Baker

I regret that it has not been possible to make wholly satisfactory arrangements for providing passengers on long-distance trains with liquid refreshment, including water. The supplies and the staffing of tea-rooms and refreshment rooms nave, however, been greatly improved in the last 12 months; drinking Water can be obtained in these refreshment rooms at all important stations; drinking fountains and taps on station platforms are prominently marked for the guidance of passengers; new water supplies have been installed at some stations. If my hon. Friend has any particular places in mind, and will let me know of them, I will see whether anything further can be done.

Mr. Tinker

Yes, Sir, and I can draw my hon. Friend's attention to two instances in particular. They are Rugby and Crewe, to which I travel regularly. I se no signs at all there of drinking water. All I am asking is that this matter should be examined. It is a terrible nuisance in these times that no one should be able to get a drink of water in our refreshment rooms. Surely soldiers and other passengers are entitled to a drink.

Mr. Noel-Baker

My experience of the refreshment rooms at Crewe and Rugby is that they have been greatly improved. I will certainly look into the question of the supply of drinking water.

Mr. Edmund Harvey

Would my hon. Friend also look into the cases of Peterborough and Grantham on the L.N.E.R.?