HC Deb 08 October 1940 vol 365 cc277-8W
Mr. Brooke

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will make further inquiries to establish whether the railway staffs are using freely enough the latitude that has been given them to allow sailors, soldiers and airmen in overcrowded trains to use unoccupied first-class accommodation where available?

Lieut.-Colonel Moore-Brabazon

The Railway Executive Committee have assured me that railway staffs have been carefully instructed in this sense. Members of the Forces are allowed to use available first class seats when third class accommodation is fully occupied.

Mr. Brooke

asked the Minister of Transport, whether he has yet been able to make arrangements with the Railway Executive Committee to ensure that sailors, soldiers and airmen travelling long distances by ordinary trains shall be able to obtain food and drink in all restaurant cars and buffet cars at prices within their means?

Lieut.-Colonel Moore-Brabazon

The increase in the number of kitchen cars and staff which the adoption of my hon. Friend's suggestion would involve is impracticable under present conditions. The needs of members of the Armed Forces are being met by canteens and refreshment rooms, and those travelling long distances are, therefore, able to obtain food and drink at stations where stops are made.