§ 38. Mr. Burkeasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport if he is aware of the confusion caused in Macclesfield through the railway companies encouraging and accepting advance bookings for the workers' holidays far in excess of the accommodation that was subsequently provided; and, in view of the approach of the Lancashire holidays, will he make the position as to workers travelling perfectly clear.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerThe public are well aware that many passenger trains have been withdrawn, and they have repeatedly been warned that more would be withdrawn, without notice, during the summer months. My hon. Friend will readily understand that additional trains cannot be provided for holiday travel while the present pressure of war traffic continues, and I am sire he will appreciate the reasons which have made it undesirable to announce the details of changes in advance. I hope this answer will make it clear to all intending passengers that booking in advance implies no guarantee that accommodation will be available on the trains.
§ Mr. BurkeHow comes it, then, that the railway companies may accept the luggage of passengers and send it away, and, having sold them a ticket, do not provide them with a seat; and, in view of the short distance to the Lancashire coast, can the Minister not put extra coaches on the trains for war workers?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerI think the trains are running with the maximum number of coaches. Actually, in the case of Macclesfield, we regret the inconvenience caused, but I believe it is true that only 50 passengers failed to reach their destination.