asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that soldiers coming home on leave have in some cases to walk miles to their homes in consequence of the complete lack of normal transport facilities from the main line railway stations to their homes; and will he take steps to provide such facilities, either by rail or road?

I am not sure whether my hon. Friend's Question is directed to lack of branch line railway connections or of road transport facilities from stations of destination, and I cannot accept his suggestion of a complete lack of normal transport facilities. If, however, my hon. Friend can supply me with particulars of any case where substantial inconvenience is caused to soldiers proceeding on leave, I will gladly make inquiries into the matter.

While thanking the Minister for his reply, may I say that I am referring specifically to road transport, and I am sure he will agree with me that when a soldier arrives at his railway destination it is rather hard luck if he has to walk miles to his home owing to the lack of transport facilities?

Perhaps my hon. Friend will give me particulars of specific cases. It is difficult to deal with a general allegation.

Will the Minister of Transport advise road transport authorities to give priority to these men when they come home on leave, in view of the depleted bus and tram services which are operating in many localities?

I think it would be difficult to give a soldier returning home on leave priority in getting on a bus when there is no room. If the hon. Member can put forward any practical suggestions I will certainly consider them.