§ Major Lyons(by Private Notice) asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether, in view of the present stoppage of work on London passenger vehicles, he can state what arrangements are being made for transport of essential workers over the week-end, and what statement can be made on the position.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport (Mr. Noel-Baker)As my hon. and gallant Friend has, no doubt, already heard, His Majesty's Government have made military personnel and vehicles available to assist the London Passenger Transport Board in maintaining their essential services.
§ Major LyonsAre arrangements made for an increase of the personnel to meet any further stoppage that may occur during the week-end; and, further, to what extent, notwithstanding this utilisation of military personnel, is there dislocation of the general passenger services?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerThe dislocation has been extraordinarily small. I am hoping that the men will go back but, of course, we shall make arrangements to meet the situation.
§ Mr. ThorneMy hon. Friend knows, of course, that one of the causes of the strike was the alteration of the schedules, which the men said prevented them having more rest. Was there any negotiation before the schedules were put into operation?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerCertainly there were negotiations. The union dealt with all that and they are very anxious for the men to go back.
§ Mr. GallacherIs there no intention of taking any action against the L.P.T.B. for allowing the organisation to get into such a condition? Surely the men at the top should be held responsible.