HC Deb 28 February 1945 vol 408 cc1381-2
70. Mr. Hubert Beaumont

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport if he will take steps to expedite the repairs to the escalators at Paddington Station, which have now been out of commission for about eight

to say, is still increasing in gravity. We are doing everything we can, and if my hon. Friend has any suggestions to make as to further measures which can be taken I will be grateful if he will let me have them.

Mr. McGovern

May we take it that all these activities are to be attributed to private enterprise?

Following are the figures:

The following table gives the latest available information about the amount of claims paid by the four main line railway companies and the Cheshire Lines Committee, in respect of loss and theft of goods in transit since the beginning of 1939:

weeks and which occasion great discomfort and hardship to the travelling public, especially to members of the Services with their heavy equipment, to aged people, and those suffering physical disabilities.

Mr. Noel-Baker

The London Passenger Transport Board are doing everything they can to finish the repairs on the escalators at Paddington Station, but their efforts are hampered by the shortage of labour and material. They hope that one escalator will be working before Easter.

Mr. Beaumont

Is my hon. Friend aware that owing to the delay in effecting these repairs at least two, and sometimes three, men are employed on directing traffic? Is not that a gross waste of labour?