§ Mr. Parkerasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he is aware that many complaints have been received from Service men and others about the taking off of feeding facilities from long-distance trains; and whether buffets can be introduced on such trains?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerAs my predecessor informed my hon. and gallant friend the Member for Ayr Burghs (Sir T. Moore) on 29th January, these facilities have, in the main, been withdrawn to enable the seating capacity of heavily loaded trains to be increased to the maximum and, in some cases, owing to shortage of staff. I think that the need for this course is well appreciated by the public and very few complaints have reached my Department. Special canteens are provided for Service men at all the more important stations and the number is increased when the need is proved. I regret that I am unable to hold out any prospect of an early restoration of buffet cars.