28. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give an assurance that, in so far as is possible, every endeavour will be made to enable members of His Majesty's Forces and, in particular, members of the Auxiliary Territorial Service proceeding on short weekend leave, who have to travel long distances to make an early start so that they can reach their homes or destination on the same day and may not be compelled to remain overnight at railway stations before obtaining a connection and reaching their destination?
§ Sir J. GriggMy hon. Friend will appreciate that long-distance travel on short pass cannot be encouraged in view of the pressure to which the transport services of the country are now subjected. At the same time I have no doubt that where special circumstances exist applications are dealt with sympathetically.
Mr. De la BèreIs it not a fact that at the railway termini in London are to be found large numbers of men who have been unable to reach their destinations on the same day, and is it not possible to request commanding officers to exercise every possible endeavour to do their best to avoid adding to the difficulties?
§ Sir J. GriggI think the congestion in London stations is due not so much to the fact that soldiers are sent off at unsuitable times as to the fact that they leave their units as soon as they can without regard to the train connections available.
§ Sir P. HannonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this problem does not affect London only but that it is met with in Birmingham and other provincial cities, and will he consider taking further steps in the matter?
§ Sir J. GriggI cannot undertake to reconsider the general position, which has been taken up in consequence of the pressure to which the transport services of the country are subjected, but in cases where special circumstances exist applications are already dealt with.
Mr. De la BèreWould not common sense and consideration do a great deal in this matter? A great deal more could be done.
§ Sir J. GriggI am all for exercising common sense, but not up to the point where it becomes uncommon nonsense.