§ 62 and 63. Mr. Wyattasked the Minister of Transport (1). it he will, during the present acute coal shortage, reduce the number of passenger services available to the number that was available during 1944;
(2), if he will discontinue all night passenger trains during the present coal shortage.
§ Mr. BarnesPassenger services have been under review since the beginning of December and substantial cuts have been made progressively since then, amounting up to date to over 1,750 trains a day, saving a total of over 200,000 train-miles a week. These cuts have been made where they will give most help in the present difficulties. Indiscriminate action, such as the elimination of all night services, or a reversion to 1944 timetables, would cause much hardship and dislocation and would not necessarily give relief where it is needed. Further cuts are being made.
§ Lieut.-Commander Braithwaiteis the Minister aware that, as a result of the cuts already made, the public are suffering great inconvenience and hardship on long journeys, and will he do his best to restore these trains at the earliest possible moment?
§ Mr. BarnesI am very well aware of the inconvenience to the public. That is why it is essential that this matter should be handled carefully. It is a matter of prior claims, and I do not think anyone would dispute, at the present moment, that it is essential to get coal moving and industry re-established, which are more important than the comfort of passengers.
§ Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas MooreDoes the Minister realise that, if the proposals contained in Question No. 63 were 785 adopted, it would mean that Scottish hon. Members would be prevented from going up to their constituencies to explain the failures of the Government?