HC Deb 10 November 1943 vol 393 cc1133-5
39. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether consideration has or will be given to the need for a public transport authority, based upon the public ownership of transport, to cover the needs of the people within an approximate 50 miles radius of Manchester, and to the urgent need, after the termination of hostilities, for the electrification of the railways within the area, with new lines where required?

Mr. Noel-Baker

My Noble Friend is always ready to consider any sound scheme for promoting co-ordination and increased efficiency in transport services, which local authorities and transport undertakings may lay before him. The scope for further electrification of the railways is a matter which my Noble Friend will consider in relation to plans for post-war development. It is, I understand, already under examination by the railway companies themselves.

Mr. Smith

Has not the time arrived for the Minister to take the initiative in this kind of work? If not, is it intended that when schemes are prepared for the post-war situation the initiative shall be taken by the Minister?

Mr. Noel-Baker

These matters are under consideration. I am not sure that it would be right for the Ministry to take the initiative in matters which are primarily of local importance, when the local authorities have not themselves done it.

Sir J. Nall

Is my hon. Friend aware that no such plan as is mentioned in the Question has been proposed by any responsible authority in tie Manchester Division?

Mr. Noel-Baker

I believe that that is so.

Mr. Ellis Smith

Is my hon. Friend aware that the workpeople's organisations in the vicinity have given great consideration to the urgent needs of this area for the post-war situation?

Mr. Noel-Baker

I shall be very glad to receive their proposals.

40. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether it is intended to improve the transport facilities in the North Staffordshire area and between the areas to Stafford by road and Manchester by rail?

Mr. Noel-Baker

During the past year, considerable improvements have been made in the road transport services for workers in the Potteries and between the Potteries and Stafford. Further improvements will, I hope, be made where they are most urgently required and where the necessary drivers and conductors can be found. I regret that I cannot encourage my hon. Friend to hope that increases can now be made in the train services, either in the North Staffordshire area, or between that area and Manchester. I must add that the existing services compare favourably with the present restricted services elsewhere.

41. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport the number of new omnibuses allocated per 20,000 of the population covered by the areas covered by the Devon General, the Manchester area and the North Staffordshire area; and can he give an assurance that new vehicles are being delivered as quickly as possible and that maintenance staffs are now being given a higher priority?

Mr. Noel-Baker

I regret that the information for which my hon. Friend asks in the first part of his Question is not available, and could not easily be obtained. New omnibuses are allocated to regions according to need. In addition, considerable numbers of existing omnibuses have been transferred to those regions where the need is greatest. I am happy to assure my hon. Friend that new vehicles are being delivered as rapidly as possible, and that satisfactory arrangements have been made to meet the demands of the passenger transport industry for maintenance personnel.

Mr. Mathers

How many new omnibuses are being provided at present?

Mr. Noel-Baker

I have not got the total figure, but for the three regions which include the area mentioned in the Question the figures are: South Western Region, since July, 1940, 515 new vehicles; North Western Region, 397; Midland Region, 566.

Mr. Mathers

Is production still continuing?

Mr. Noel-Baker

Yes, Sir, on a restricted scale.