§ Sir H. Morris-Jonesasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he is aware of the present conditions of travel in the North-Western areas, particularly at Crewe, Chester and North Wales coast stations; and what provisions he is making to enable officers and men of the Services to secure entrance and egress to and from congested compartments and train corridors.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerI am aware that there has been congestion at Crewe, Chester and other stations, and on the trains in 1903W the North-Western area. I am informed that this congestion has been largely due to holiday travel. So long as great numbers of people disregard the appeals made and the warnings given by the Government, it will not be practicable to ensure that passengers engaged on urgent business of national importance, whether Servicemen or civilians, will be able to travel on any particular train. I would remind my hon. Friend, however, that arrangements are in force for the reservation at terminal stations of accommodation for duty parties of Servicemen when the numbers are sufficient to fill one compartment.