§ Mr. R. Morganasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the Birmingham and Midland Motor Omnibus Company has been compelled during the 2085W present winter to cut out a large portion of its pantomime services; has been prohibited from running omnibuses to and from dances, concerts, music halls, dog races, horse races, fishing parties, works outings, and even to entertainments at military barracks; and whether he will take steps, with the regional transport commissioner, to give greater leniency in this matter henceforward?
§ Captain WallaceIn consequence of the restricted supplies of liquid fuel, it has been necessary to curtail less essential public vehicle services, including those of the kind to which my hon. Friend refers. I have already given instructions to the regional transport commissioners to grant supplementary rations of fuel to enable operators to meet the reasonable needs of those attending entertainments at military establishments if no alternative travelling facilities exist. I am informed that the regional transport commissioner has not refused supplementary issues of fuel to the Birmingham and Midland Motor Omnibus Company for this purpose at any time. I have also made certain special arrangements about pantomime traffic. In existing circumstances I do not think that I can properly go further.
§ Mr. R. Morganasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the theatrical season of pantomime in Birmingham, which lasts until the end of April, has been seriously affected during the current season by the absence of adequate transport facilities in and out of the city; and whether, in view of the desirability of making it possible for the large number of workers in the vicinity to patronise such entertainments, he can improve transport facilities by train and omnibus at an early opportunity?
§ Captain WallaceMy attention has not previously been drawn to any complaint that the present pantomime season in Birmingham has been seriously affected by the absence of adequate transport. As regards road passenger service I was, however, aware that in certain districts those responsible for pantomime entertainments derive considerable support from patrons from outlying districts and, in the interests of all concerned, I came to the conclusion that some relaxation of the restrictions on excursions and on the duplication of services consequent upon fuel rationing was desirable. The regional2086W transport commissioners have been instructed to apply this relaxation to routes on which rail services are not available and where the length of the journey is not more than 25 miles. In general, I should not feel justified in present circumstances in extending these concessions or in asking the railway companies to provide further facilities for such traffic.