HC Deb 21 April 1943 vol 388 c1711W
Sir A. Hudson

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he is aware that certain motor-omnibus drivers in London, finding that they are ahead of their schedule, crawl the last part of their journey, thus causing annoyance to their passengers who are frequently made late for their appointments; and whether he will take up the matter with the London Passenger Transport Board?

Mr. Noel-Baker

The London Passenger Transport Board inform me that with fluctuating conditions of traffic and of weather, drivers occasionally get ahead of their advertised schedule time. When this happens the drivers must adjust their running to avoid the serious inconvenience which would be caused to the public if they were in front of their timetable. My hon. Friend will, however, be glad to know that the summer time schedules come into operation to-day, and it is hoped that this will reduce the present difficulties, at least in the evening.

Dr. Peters

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he will take steps to see that for the convenience of the public and to safeguard against possible accidents, omnibuses No. 77 and 77A shall pull up at King's Cross railway station to set down passengers, as they have done for many years except recent months, instead of taking passengers into the terminus?

Mr. Noel-Baker

In order to save fuel and tyres, omnibuses working on these routes, and on certain others, have been using the coach station on the south side of Euston Road as their terminus. This has made it impossible for them to use the normal stopping-place in front of King's Cross railway station and there has been considerable difficulty in arranging a satisfactory alternative on the north side of Euston Road. It is now proposed however that they should use the new stopping place opposite Tonbridge Street which will, I hope, be brought into operation very shortly.