HC Deb 24 April 1950 vol 474 cc577-9
10. Mr. John Hay

asked the Minister of Transport the details of the road-rail scheme introduced by the Regional Transport Commissioner in the Southern Command Area, under which public-service vehicle operators have been instructed to withdraw week-end leave motor-coach facilities from military camps and installations; how many such camps and installations are affected by this scheme; and whether any consultations took place with the Service Departments before this scheme was introduced.

Mr. Barnes

To enable Service personnel to travel as rapidly and comfortably as possible on week-end leave, without wasteful consumption of motor fuel, arrangements have been made in many instances to carry them on short road journeys to a convenient railhead, connecting with train services to their destinations. At some camps, however, there are direct facilities either by rail or by a regular express bus service. The bulk of the arrangements have been made by the R.A.F. Movements Officer at Southern Command Headquarters in collaboration with the regional transport Commissioner, the railways and the bus and coach operators. As a result of these arrangements, 16 private party coach operators serving nine camps in this area have since 1948 been instructed by the regional transport commissioners to cease their journeys, whilst others have ceased on request. In one case, licences have been granted for an express public bus service to London to take the place of the private party journeys. In most cases the Service authorities in the area were consulted before action was taken.

Mr. Hay

Does the Minister realise the tremendous dissatisfaction there is in these Service camps as a result of this instruction to discontinue these facilities; and will he reconsider the whole matter, particularly now that there appears to be adequate petrol available?

Mr. Barnes

I would point out, as the hon. Member will see from my reply, that this is the result of co-operation and consultations between all the bodies concerned. It is not for the Minister to override regional transport commissioners, but in view of the general interest I assure the hon. Member that I will always keep this under observation.

Mr. Erroll

Can the Minister say how much more expensive the new arrangements are for the Service men than the old?

Mr. Barnes

It is impossible for me to interpret the results of all the numerous re-arrangements that have been made.

Captain Ryder

Does the Minister remember that last time I asked him about this he said he had not consulted the Admiralty; and will he bear in mind the very special conditions of Service personnel who, I think, more than any other section of the community, have to work away from their homes?

Mr. Barnes

If the hon. and gallant Gentleman will read my reply he will see that the Service authorities have been consulted. In the case of airmen, R.A.F. Southern Command has taken a prominent part in these re-arrangements.

11. Mr. J. Hay

asked the Minister of Transport what is the estimated saving of motor fuel resulting from the cancellation of motor-coach facilities for weekend leave parties who formerly travelled from the Royal Naval Air Service, Culham, Oxfordshire, to London and return.

Mr. Barnes

It is estimated that approximately 22 gallons of motor fuel would have been consumed each weekend had the coach continued to operate between Culham and London, half of this in empty running. This figure, however, must not be considered in isolation. These journeys were stopped as part of a general policy of avoiding the wasteful use of fuel where reasonable alternative facilities are available.

Mr. Hay

Are we to understand that hardship has been caused to these Service men simply to save 11 gallons of petrol a week?

Mr. Barnes

I do not think that is a fair interpretation. If considered in isolation, "yes," but taking the policy throughout the country that is not a proper interpretation.

Squadron-Leader Burden

Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to ensure that Service men have an opportunity to use the most convenient and least expensive form of transport when going on leave?

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