MR. CLEMENT EDWARDSI beg to ask the President Of the Board of Trade if he has any power to compel railway companies whose systems meet at a common junction to so time their trains as to secure a minimum of waiting for passengers travelling by the two systems; and, if so, under what circumstances such a power, if any, may be exercised; and, if no such power exists, whether he will consider the advisability of promoting legislation for the acquisition of such powers.
§ MR. LLOYD-GEORGEBy the Railway and Canal Traffic Act 1854 (Section 2) Railway Companies are placed under an obligation to forward traffic (including passengers) arriving from other companies lines without any unreasonable delay. Complaints under this enactment are heard and determined by the Railway and Canal Commissioners. If, however, any specific case of the nature referred to by my hon. friend is brought to my notice, the Board of Trade will be glad to consider whether the circumstances would justify them in endeavouring by communication with the Railway Companies concerned to bring about a satisfactory settlement.