HC Deb 26 January 1944 vol 396 cc684-5
43. Major Procter

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he is aware that it is proposed to suspend the omnibus services X 13 Great Hanwood to Manchester and X 23 Clitheroe to Manchester; that this proposal will cause great loss and inconvenience to workers residing in or about the Accrington Parliamentary division; and whether he will reconsider the proposal with the object of preventing unreasonable hardship.

Mr. Noel-Baker

As I informed my hon. and gallant Friend in a letter on 20th January, the Regional Transport Commissioner is receiving a deputation from local authorities on this matter on 1st February. I will write to him again as soon as possible after the meeting has taken place.

Major Procter

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that if his Commissioner in Manchester carries out this daft proposal, a great many war workers will have to do a lot of unnecessary travelling, and that the proposal will retard the war effort? Will he further consider stopping his Commissioner from carrying out this proposal without any conference at all with the local authorities?

Mr. Noel-Baker

From what inquiries I have made, I certainly cannot accept my hon. and gallant Friend's adjective. I do not think that the Regional Commissioner can do any more than meet them. He is to meet them in a very few days, and if the meeting does not result in agreement I will certainly look into the matter again.

Mr. Silverman

Does my hon. Friend not realise that the circle of towns around Manchester is such that the Regional Commissioner might devote his efforts to improving services there rather than to curtailing them?

Mr. Noel-Baker

I appreciate that, but my hon. Friend will realise that the difficulties all over the country are very great.