HC Deb 01 March 1944 vol 397 cc1407-9
25. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport if he is taking steps to avoid the confusion that took place on the railways at holiday time last year during this year's relaxation periods; can he make a full statement on what he proposes for the guidance of the people; and is it his intention to apply a scheme of organisation.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport (Mr. Noel-Baker)

I regret that I cannot hold out any hope that it will be possible to provide additional trains this year for holiday travel. It is, therefore, more important than ever before that workers' annual holidays should be spread as equally as possible over the summer months. My Noble Friend has asked the Government Departments who are concerned, and my right hon. Friend the Minister of Production has asked the Regional Production Boards, to do everything in their power to ensure that this shall be done.

Mr. Smith

If my hon. Friend had read the Question, he would have seen that I was not asking for additional trains. What I am asking for is that the people who have worked so hard shall have their relaxation organised, and shall not be left in the chaotic conditions in which they were left last summer. Will my hon. Friend give an undertaking that last summer's experience will be prevented by the Minister taking the initiative to organise relaxation?

Mr. Noel-Baker

The staggering of the holidays of different towns, and of factories within the same town, would be one method, we think the most effective method, of organising holiday travel, if holiday travel there, is to be. We are considering other measures. If my hon. Friend has any proposals to make I would very gladly receive them and consider them. I must remind my hon. Friend and the House that conditions will be very difficult and if people travel they will have to accept discomfort, but I expect that they will bear it with the cheerful fortitude which they showed last year.

Mr. Granville

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that he made exactly the same statement last year, and that the serious conditions at London stations were not anything to be proud of? Will he consider making known to the factory managements and the workpeople of this country whatever decision the Government reach?

Mr. Noel-Baker

Yes, Sir. We are doing everything we can to organise the staggering of holidays. In the last resort, that must depend on the factory managements and the workers themselves. But I said last year, and this applies again now, that we must put war traffic first. This year, there will be more traffic than last year, and it will be even more essential. If that causes discomfort to holiday travellers we regret it, but we cannot help it.

Sir Herbert Williams

Having regard to the fact that 85 per cent. of the people travelling on the railways do not pay their own fares, but (have them paid by the Government, is it not time that steps were taken to reduce much of this travel?

Mr. Noel-Baker

We have been in consultation with the Services about leave travel, and they have helped us very considerably. The hon. Member will realise that we cannot cut out leave travel altogether but we are consulting the Services on that point.

Mr. Burke

Is my hon. Friend aware that we have had staggered holidays for many years in Lancashire, and that we have the most wretched train services in the country?

Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore

Apart from travelling, will staggered periods of rest be arranged, so that the people who have worked so hard may get some relaxation?

Mr. Noel-Baker

Yes, Sir. Staggering will help enormously if it is carried through.

Mr. R. J. Taylor

In dealing with leave travel, will care be taken to see that whatever is done will not impose any hardship on the Services in regard to the leave periods?

Mr. Noel-Baker

Yes, we will consider that aspect. We must also consider the very great strain on the train crews, who have done a magnificent job for five years.