§ 35. Sir I. Fraserasked the President of the Board of Trade what discussions he has had with the British Travel and Holidays Association to ascertain whether passenger rail services during the coming summer will be adequate to meet the demand; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Mr. F. J. Erroll)There is no occasion for my right hon. Friend to take any special initiative, as the British Travel and Holidays Association is now as always in close touch with the British Transport Commission about train services for tourists.
§ Sir I. FraserTrain services to seaside resorts are always important, but will my hon. Friend bear in mind that this year they may be even more important if there is likely to be a petrol shortage? Will he invoke the aid of the Minister in this matter, which is extremely important to seaside resorts?
§ Mr. ErrollIt is, of course, a little too early to forecast what the petrol position will be in the summer, but the Minister of Power appreciates the importance of the point put by my hon. Friend. I should, however, point out that so long as holiday travel is concentrated on certain peak dates during the summer, passenger travel facilities on the railways are bound to be severely strained.