§ 15. Mr. Toucheasked the Minster of War Transport what steps he is taking to improve the unsatisfactory travel arrangements for leave parties on the CuxhavenHull route, in consequence of which, soldiers travelling to London often have to wait about six hours at Hull, and only arrive in London in the early hours of the morning, when it is too late to find accommodation and too early to continue their journey beyond London.
§ The Financial Secretary to the War Office (Mr. Bellenger)I have been asked to reply. Ships arriving at Hull are dependent upon the state of the tide to enable them to dock. It therefore happens, on occasions, that leave parties for 765 London cannot arrive in London until after midnight. There is no delay in disembarkation or despatch. In the event of the London train arriving late, accommodation is provided in London for any man who is unable to proceed on his journey. Work is in progress and should be completed very shortly which will, it is hoped, make it possible to arrange a service which will be practically tide- free. The timing of the special train to London will then be such that, accidents barred, it will arrive not later than 4 p.m.