§ MR. WEIR () ROSS and CromartyI beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade what steps have been taken by the South Eastern and Chatham and Dover Railways Company to improve the condition of Ludgate Hill Station, in view of the letter from the company to the Board of Trade of the 20th October, 1899, intimating that plans were then being prepared showing what improvements could be effected, especially in regard to access from the platforms; and if he will use his influence to expedite the carrying out of the necessary works for the protection of the public.
§ MR. RITCHIEThe general manager informs me that the companies "will do whatever is possible to diminish the inconvenience of which complaint is made," but that, for financial reasons, they would not be justified just at present in carrying out so large a scheme as is involved in the plans which have been prepared. A doubt is also expressed as to whether the work could be accomplished without obtaining further express Parliamentary powers.