§ 7. Mr. Glenvil Hallasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will consider increasing petrol facilities to enable private-hire motor-coaches and omnibuses to take parties of workers for outings and excursions into the country or to places of interest this coming summer.
The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport (Mr, Peter Thorneycroft)I have been asked to reply. It is my Noble Friend's intention that road passenger services should be improved to the extent that the man-power available will allow; but as my hon. Friend will, I am sure, agree, it is necessary first to concentrate on the strengthening of the existing scheduled services, on the restoration of Sunday morning services and on the provision of services later in the evening. I regret I cannot yet say when it will be possible to allow additional facilities for private trips or the re-introduction of excursions and tours and long distance express services, but I hope to make an announcement on the subject shortly.
§ Mr. Glenvil HallWill the hon. Gentleman bear in mind, now that the basic petrol ration is being granted again to private car owners, that it would be an act of justice to give the workers who have no cars a chance to share in the brighter times that have come?
§ Major WoolleyWill my hon. Friend give special consideration to trips for old people?
Mr. ThorneycroftMy Noble Friend is anxious to extend facilities as soon as possible, but my hon. Friends will bear in mind that it is not only petrol but manpower that is involved.