HC Deb 11 June 1942 vol 380 cc1253-4W
Sir A. Knox

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he will authorise the issue of a distinguishing badge for all munition and wartime workers to enable them to gain priority of entry to omnibuses when going to and from their work?

Mr. Noel-Baker

Arrangements for the purpose which my hon. and gallant Friend has in mind have already been adopted in many districts where conditions are suitable, and where, in the national interest, some workers must have priority of travel during rush hours. He will, however, appreciate that it is difficult to make any general classification of workers at this stage of the war, when the phrase "munition and war-time workers" covers most of the civil population. I would, moreover, remind him that priority travel schemes are impracticable where omnibuses must stop to pick up any considerable number of passengers on the way. If he will let me know of any places where he considers that a priority travel system is necessary and possible, I shall be glad to consider it.