§ MR. PAUL (Edinburgh, S.)I beg-to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has boon called to the fact that on Saturday the 22nd of July, at Clapham Junction, about 20 passengers with tickets were thrust into a luggage van of the 2.58 train for Woking and Aldershot, there being just room for them to stand up in, and no more; that many of them were women and children; that, though they were told they would be released at Surbiton, the van did not come near the platform at that station, and they were forced to remain in this position as far as Woking; whether such conduct on the part of the Loudon and South Western Railway Company is in accordance with the law; and whether any steps can be taken to protect the public from such danger to their safety and destruction of their comfort?
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. MUNDELLA,) Sheffield, BrightsideI have communicated with the Company, and learn that, in consequence of several attractive events, including regattas and the Bisley meeting, on the afternoon of Saturday the 22nd instant, the suburban traffic was very great, and the resources of the line severely taxed. The Company do not admit that passengers were thrust into a luggage van, and inform '.no that their officials, anxious to accommodate everybody, suggested to some 15 or 20 passengers that they should get into the 632 guards' vans rather than be compelled to wait for the following train. Overcrowding is the subject of bye-law, and it is difficult to prevent it; but I have asked the London and South Western Railway Company to give careful attention to the matter.