§ 2. Mr. Butcherasked the Minister of Transport how many first-class sleeping berths were reserved on an average every week between the Munich crisis and the outbreak of war; and why it is necessary to reserve an increased number at the present time.
§ 5. Mr. Stokesasked the Minister of Transport why 910 first-class sleeping berths every week are reserved for business and professional men travelling on behalf of the Government; and whether he will now take steps to abolish these priorities.
§ Mr. CallaghanNo priority berths were reserved before the war, and the system was introduced in December, 1941, when the demand outran the supply. A check for the month ending 8th November, shows that 89.5 per cent. of all sleeping berths are used by the public, the balance being taken up by business and professional men, Members of both Houses of Parliament, civil servants and the Service Departments. My right hon. Friend intends to review the present arrangements with the British Transport Commission.
§ Mr. ButcherIs it not time that we reverted to the normal practice of allowing everybody to have free access to sleeping berths?
§ Mr. CallaghanNot as long as demand exceeds supply. I think there is a case for some control.
§ Mr. StokesDoes my hon. Friend mean that these priorities are going to be abolished? Is he aware that the whole of the sleeping car system is very unsatisfactory at the present time? There are mysterious second lists which nobody understands, and there is a considerable black market in the whole business. Will he look into it?
§ Mr. CallaghanAs I said, we are going to review these arrangements with the British Transport Commission. I am not wholly satisfied with them. On the other hand, there has been a great deal too much blackguarding of people using these reservations by those with interests to serve.
§ Mr. StokesIs my hon. Friend aware that it is impossible for ordinary persons to get sleeping reservations even three months ahead now, and that in some cases 80 per cent. of the berths are reserved for those potentates whom nobody can describe, not even my hon. Friend?
§ Mr. CallaghanI do not think my hon. Friend could have heard my answer. In terms of figures, 6,687 berths were available each week for members of the public during the four weeks ended 8th November.
§ Mr. StokesThat does not alter the fact that there are 910 available for other people.
§ Mr. CallaghanMy hon. Friend is not right. There are 910 allocated, but not the same number taken up.
§ Mr. StokesIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter at the earliest possible opportunity on the Adjournment.