HC Deb 03 August 1944 vol 402 cc1629-30W
Sir G. Fox

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether, in view of the chaos at railway stations, he will make arrangements for certain carriages to be reserved for Service personnel until a specified time before the departure of the train from terminal stations to enable those on postings and urgent business to be sure of accommodation on the train.

Wing-Commander Errington

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he is aware of the delay due to congestion of transport to those travelling on urgent Government and commercial business; and whether he will consider the institution of passes entitling those travelling on such business to reserved accommodation.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Government Department can reserve seats or sleeping berths on certain trains for persons who must travel on urgent and important national work. Compartments can be reserved for parties of Service personnel who are travelling on duty. I regret that, for reasons which I have explained in answer to previous Questions, the introduction of a system of passes or permits for railway travel would require an administrative staff out of all proportion to the advantages that might result.