§ Mr. Hannahasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he will allow the clergy of down-town churches to be supplied with a certain number of permits for workmen's special omnibuses for distribution to regular worshippers in cases where this would be helpful?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerI regret that I do not think it desirable to adopt my hon. Friend's proposal. It is open to objection on operational and other grounds, and I think it unlikely that it would satisfactorily fulfil the purpose which he has in view.
§ Mr. J. Dugdaleasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport, whether he will allow omnibuses which take passengers from the outskirts of large cities, such as Birmingham, to start their journey late enough to pick up passengers who have left the centre of the city by the last omnibus and would otherwise have to walk from the city Omnibus terminus to their homes in neighbouring towns?
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§ Mr. Noel-BakerMy Noble Friend has decided that, except for the services required for workers, all road passenger services must be closed down at a reasonably early hour. This is necessary in order to save fuel and tyres, and to reduce the heavy strain now falling on the operating staff. I regret that, for these reasons, I do not think it would be right to give the instructions which my hon. Friend suggests.