HC Deb 16 February 1944 vol 397 cc157-8
13. Viscount Hinchinģbrooke

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the great congestion on the railways, he will put an end to the practice of reserving whole compartments for Admiralty messengers travelling alone.

Mr. Alexander

I regret I am unable to accept my Noble Friend's suggestion.

Viscount Hinchinģbrooke

Would the First Lord look into the possibility of transferring this courier service to the roads? Has he made every attempt to see whether existing military motor services could not be used to release accommodation on the railways?

Mr. Alexander

Of course every inquiry has been made, but it is essential in all these long-distance journeys, especially the heavy traffic journeys which we have to make, to consider other matters like petrol, rubber and man-power.

Mr. Mathers

Is it not the case that these couriers usually travel by night in a sleeper which is only available for one person?

Mr. Alexander

That is not always the case.