HC Deb 10 December 1945 vol 417 cc32-4
90. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Minister of War Transport if he will run late omnibuses to main suburbs to transport as near home as possible Members of this House after late Sittings, in particular, omnibus No. 24 to Hampstead, to which the last omnibus now passes through Whitehall at 9.40 p.m.; and if he will provide some other form of transport after late Sittings of this House.

Mr. Barnes

Omnibus Route No. 24 is practically parallel to the Northern Line Underground Railway on which the last train leaves the Strand at 12.14 a.m. for Belsize Park, Hampstead and Edgware. The London Passenger Transport Board hope to provide later omnibus services up to 11.30 p.m. from the Central Area, beginning with some sections in February and completing in April. The difficulty of providing special transport facilities after late Sittings will be appreciated. Following the Question of the hon. Member for Ashford (Mr. E. P. Smith) last month I have arranged to have posted in the House a list of private hire car firms in the Westminster area and their telephone numbers.

Mr. Hughes

May I ask the Minister if he will provide a taxi rank in Palace Yard, and is he aware that the bell to summon taxis rings, often and long, in vain?

Mr. Barnes

I am quite aware of that, and I have suffered the consequences.

Mr. Hughes

Will the Minister take steps to remedy the position?

Mr. Stephen

Will the Minister try to arrange a more frequent service on the Inner Circle, and get the London Passenger Transport Board to realise that there are places other than the Mansion House?

Mr. Barnes

As I have indicated, all these improved facilities depend upon the return of staff and the improvement of rolling stock.

Major Wyatt

Would the Minister consider supplying a small pool of cars when the House sits late, so that Members can be taken home for nothing, because they do not stay here late at night for their own pleasure?

Mr. Barnes

I shall continue to give this matter my attention, but the irregular Sittings of the House, and the uncertainty with regard to all its habits, make transport arrangements very difficult.