§ Mr. Spearmanasked the Minister of War Transport what volume of passenger traffic the railways are now moving; what passenger train miles they are now running compared with 1938; and when it is expected that the prewar mileage will be restored.
§ Mr. BarnesThe railway companies estimate the present volume of passenger traffic on the main line railways measured 2709W in passenger miles, as being about 70 percent. greater than in 1938. Passenger train mileage is about 24 percent. less than in 1938. Passenger train mileage cannot be increased to prewar level while the present shortage of trained railway staff, rolling stock and locomotive coal persists. The hon. Member may, how ever, be assured that steady progress will be made in the improvement of passenger services.