§ Captain P. Macdonaldasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he can make any statement with regard to his requirements about public travel during the Christmas period?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerThe arrangements which have been made for public travel during the Christmas period are broadly similar to those made for other Bank Holiday periods during the past twelve months. The railway companies have received instructions that between 21st December and 29th December no more trains may be run on any week-day or Sunday than have been run on any ordinary week-day or Sunday, respectively, in December, 1942. Trains may continue to run in parts, but each part will count as a separate train. There will be no additional facilities for travel by road. The dates of leave for members of the Armed Forces have been so adjusted as to reduce leave travel at Christmas time as much as possible. Vouchers for visits to evacuees, and free or assisted travel on leave by the civilian staff Government Departments, will be suspended. My Noble Friend is confident that the public will desire that as at other Bank Holidays, essential war traffic shall have priority, and that, in their own interest, they will refrain from making journeys which are not essential.