HC Deb 28 February 1945 vol 408 cc1387-8
77. Sir L. Lyle

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he can give any indication of the present volume of cross-Channel passenger traffic not consisting of Service personnel; and whether he can subdivide this total so as to indicate the number of persons travelling for business, official and compassionate reasons, respectively.

Mr. Noel-Baker

For the last complete week (ended Saturday, 24th February), for which figures are available, passages from Great Britain on the M.W.T. London—Paris sea-rail service were allocated to 187 civilians, of whom 65 were officials, 76 were persons other than officials travelling on business of national importance, and 46 were travelling for urgent compassionate reasons.

Sir L. Lyle

Were the officials travelling on matters of national importance?

Mr. Noel-Baker

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Buchanan

Will the hon. Gentleman tell me how anyone can get over for compassionate reasons? I have not found a way yet.

Mr. Noel-Baker

If people apply to the proper authorities, they certainly can. I will send the hon. Member a circular.

Mr. Buchanan

Will the hon. Gentleman take care to see that all are treated alike?

Mr. Noel-Baker

Yes. I do not think there has been any difficulty in getting a passage once a case for compassionate reasons has been established.