HC Deb 09 February 1944 vol 396 c1755
27. Mr. Bull

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport the number of termini served by the London Passenger Transport Board's special omnibuses run for the benefit of Service men who have to go from one station to another; and if he is satisfied that the arrangements which have been made are adequate.

Mr. Noel-Baker

The London inter-station omnibuses for Service men run from 6.30 p.m. to 1 a.m. between five of the main line terminals. According to the information which I have received the service is, in general, adequate for the purpose which it is designed to serve.

Mr. Evelyn Walkden

Is my hon. Friend aware that when trains come in during the night or are considerably late the buses to which he refers are not available; and is he aware that there is still grave dissatisfaction?

Mr. Noel-Baker

There is no regular half-hourly service after 1 a.m., but there are some services during the hours 1 to 6.

Mr. A. Bevan

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that a great deal of inconvenience is now being caused to Service men in London and to the population generally, and that the transport services are quite inadequate?

Mr. Noel-Baker

If my hon. Friend will find more labour and vehicles we shall be delighted to give a better service.

The number of vehicles licensed to operate on alternative fuels on 31st December, 1943, was:
Public Service Vehicles. Goods Vehicles. Private Cars. Motor Cycles and Invalid Chairs, etc. TOTALS.
Producer Gas … 913 910 650 4 2,477
Coal Gas (including compressed gas) … 50 630 729 29 1,438
Electricity … — 7,522 91 13 7,626
Steam … 11 1,030 4 101 1,146
Methane … — 94 15 — 109
Butane … — 4 8 — 12
Creosote … 1,477 289 30 — 1,796
Other Fuels … 1 3 1 11 16
TOTALS … 2,452 10,482 1,528 158 14,620