§ Mr. G. Macdonaldasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he is aware of the unsatisfactory position in the industrial areas of the country regarding the picking up of passengers by the different omnibus undertakings; and what action is being taken to remove all pre-war restrictions to improve road transport facilities throughout the country, and thus help in the war effort?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerRegional transport commissioners have instructions to waive pre-war restrictions on the picking up of passengers where this would result in better facilities for war-workers; they have secured many modifications of such restrictions where this would serve the national interest. If my hon. Friend has in mind any specific cases in which further action is required, perhaps he will be good enough to give me particulars. He is, I am sure, aware that these restrictions are often necessary and useful, for example, in preventing long-distance passengers being crowded out by short-distance passengers for whom other services may he available.