Sunday Excursion Services

HC Deb 20 May 1946 vol 423 cc10-1

30. Mr. Sparks

asked the Minister of Transport when the main line railways intend to resume their prewar day excursion train services on Sundays.

Mr. Barnes

I regret that I am not at present able to say when it may be possible to resume Sunday excursion services.

Mr. Sparks

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this is the only means which a large number of people will have to pay a visit to the seaside resorts of the country, and will he look at this matter again and see to what extent a restricted service can be introduced on Sundays and in mid-week?

Mr. Barnes

This matter is being continually re-examined, but I would remind my hon. Friend that facilities for getting to the sea have been considerably increased.

Mr. Walkden

Does not my right hon. Friend recognise that practically every Department of State has distributed to the John Citizens of Britain some form of national dividend since the war ended?

Could not he persuade the railway companies to recognise this form of national dividend by giving comfort and cheer at the weekend to John Citizen and his wife and children?

Mr. Barnes

I do not think it is a question of persuasion. When the facilities are there, they will be provided.

Mr. Hector Hughes

Can my right hon. Friend hold out any hope of cheap day return excursion fares?

Mr. Barnes

That is a matter which may be decided in the relatively near future.