§ Mr. Caryasked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the hardships suffered by the civilian population owing to the inadequacy of road transport services, he will consult the War Office with a view to releasing all men from military service who desire to return to their former employment in omnibus and motor-coach services.
§ Lieut.-Colonel Moore-BrabazonI have no evidence that a general release as suggested by my hon. Friend would be in the national interest, but I am prepared to consult the War Office in particular cases where it is considered that the release of men from military service is required to maintain essential road passenger services.
Miss Wardasked the Minister of Transport whether, in order to relieve transport difficulties for the workers, he will consider mobilising charabancs from all parts of the country and making them available for individual station-masters to use for travellers when railway transport breaks down?
§ Lieut. - Colonel Moore - BrabazonIn London the provision of omnibus services when rail services are interrupted is arranged by the London Passenger Transport Board in co-operation with the Railways. In the provinces similar arrangements are made by the Regional Transport Commissioners in conjunction with operators of public service vehicles. It would hardly be practicable and would certainly be wasteful to provide a pool of vehicles on which station-masters could draw.
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Captain Duncanasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the infreqency of omnibuses on the No. 7 route, causing travellers from points in North Kensington to wait for long periods to catch an omnibus; and whether he will cause a review of this omnibus service to be made with a view to its improvement?
§ Lieut.-Colonel Moore-BrabazonThere are on this route 18 omnibuses an hour during peak periods and 12 at normal periods. The London Passenger Transport Board are looking into the adequacy of this service and will take early steps to increase the frequency as necessary.