§ 66. Mr. H. Hyndasked the Minister of Transport if, in view of the national necessity to save coal for export and the ban on certain mid-week sporting events, he will direct the Transport Commission to run no special trains for such sporting events as are permitted in mid-week.
§ Mr. BarnesNo, Sir. I think that this is a matter which should be left to the discretion of the British Transport Commission.
§ Mr. HyndIs my right hon. Friend aware that British Railways are advertising special day excursions tomorrow, Wednesday and Thursday this week for the National Hunt Steeplechase meeting at Cheltenham, and can he say whether this is in accordance with the Government's declared policy of putting restrictions on mid-week sport?
§ Mr. BarnesThe only point I can make in regard to that is that recently, in reply to a Question, I intimated that the Commission would give facilities for running special trains. Such facilities would cover an event of this sort. As I have said, it must be left to their discretion.
§ Mr. TolleyIs my right hon. Friend aware that this sort of thing is having a most distressing effect throughout the country, and will he take steps to obviate unfairness of this character?