HC Deb 25 January 1945 vol 407 cc943-4
3. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Minister of Labour if he will have an investigation made into the amount of time per day spent by each person travelling to and from their employment, the means of transport, the cost to people of the daily journeys, and the effect on health and production; and, if a national investigation cannot be made, will he hold an investiga- tion in North Staffordshire and within a 30-mile radius of Manchester.

Mr. Bevin

I do not think that it would be practicable to undertake an investigation of this wide scope, either nationally or in the area suggested, but if my hon. Friend would care to furnish details of any case of special difficulty I shall be ready to consider it in collaboration with my Noble Friend, the Minister of War Transport.

Mr. Smith

If the investigation cannot be made now, in view of the war situation, will my right hon. Friend give an undertaking that, as soon as possible after the termination of hostilities, consideration will be given by his Department to this question?

Mr. Bevin

I cannot tie up the future, of course, and the transport problem is really one for the Minister of War Transport.