§ Mr. Mathersasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether any decision has yet been reached as to the provision of additional trains on the long-distance services?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerAs I foreshadowed in a statement which I made on 9th June, my Noble Friend has considered the possibility of strengthening certain long-distance services on which, owing to an increase of Service and other essential travel, overcrowding is constant and serious. As a result he has authorised some additional trains to be run on certain days of the week, if occasion requires, on certain routes serving, in the main, important industrial areas. I would remind my hon. Friend that these additional trains may be taken off again without warning, if war conditions so demand. My Noble Friend has also authorised the provision of certain special trains in connection with works holidays, in cases where there are large numbers of transferred workers returning to their homes under the Ministry of Labour's assisted travel scheme and where the traffic can most conveniently be carried by a special train. These trains will not be provided during the Bank Holiday period.