HC Deb 07 June 1944 vol 400 cc1345-6
40. Dr. Russell Thomas

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport if he is aware that Members of Parliament travelling between their constituencies and the Palace of Westminster are finding difficulty in securing accommodation in trains; and what steps he is taking to see that Members are given travel facilities.

Mr. Noel-Baker

I am, of course, regretfully aware that the cancellation of trains without notice has caused inconvenience to many passengers, but I am glad to assure my hon. Friend that I have so far received no other complaints that hon. Members are finding undue difficulty in travelling between Westminster and their constituencies. As I have said in answer to the last question, it is not practicable to introduce a general permit system, but my Noble Friend has arranged that some seats shall be reserved on one train every day in each direction on a few routes where overcrowding is likely to be greatest. The seats will be available at terminal stations only; they will be given to persons travelling on urgent national business which cannot be postponed. They will be allocated in accordance with the priority scheme which already applies to berths in sleeping cars.

Dr. Thomas

May I ask my hon. Friend whether he is aware that in long-distance trains, from my experience, whole first-class carriages are locked and reserved and marked "Not for public use"? Would he say for Whom this comfortable method of travel in these hard times is reserved, while Members of Parliament and members of the public have to travel under most trying conditions?

Mr. Noel-Baker

There are very strict rules about the locking of compartments and reservations. If my hon. Friend will send me details of any case, I will look into it.

Mr. Silverman

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that those very strict rules about the locking of compartments are -consistently ignored by the railway companies everywhere in the country?

Mr. Noel-Baker

No, Sir. I have had certain examples brought to my notice and I have looked into every one. There have been occasional infractions but they are very rare.

Mr. Silverman

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that station-masters inform inquirers that they are requested by the railway executive to lock first-class compartments on corridor trains in certain circumstances?

Mr. Noel-Baker

Perhaps my hon. Friend will give me details.

Sir Herbert Holdsworth

Arising out of the original reply, would it not be possible for Members of Parliament to reserve seats? What it means at the present time is that one has to wait very often an hour and a half at the termini, and that could be saved by reservation.

Mr. Noel-Baker

I recognise the great difficulties, and I hope the proposal for reserved seats on some routes will perhaps help hon. Members. I am afraid a general system of reservation for hon. Members on any train would be impossible to work. I shall be glad to discuss it with my hon. Friend.