§ MR. PIRIE (Aberdeen, N.)To ask the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been drawn to the present condition of the Aberdeen railway station, part of which structure is in a state of complete decay and dilapidation; and, having regard to the recent accident at Charing Cross station, if he will cause inquiries to be made from officials on the spot in order to insure the protection of the public from a similar danger; can he also state what steps, if any, are being taken by the railway companies concerned, the Caledonian and Great North of Scotland, to complete the works sanctioned by The Aberdeen Joint Passenger Station Act, 1899, the powers of which expire in August, 1907; and can he see his way to enforce the carrying out of the works then sanctioned, in view of the necessity for increased station accommodation in Aberdeen, and the danger and inconvenience involved by the existing state of affairs.
(Answered by Mr. Lloyd-George.) I am aware that there is long-standing and general dissatisfaction with the condition of this station, and I have invited the observations of the railway companies concerned upon my hon. friend's Question 815 In their reply the companies state that the condition of the existing structure is not such as to involve danger to the public. As regards alterations, they point out that the widening of the railway between Ferryhill Junction and the station, and other portions of the works authorised by the Act of 1899, have now been completed. They add that the enlargement of the station, which could not be undertaken pending the completion of those portions of the works, is now under consideration, and that so soon as the plans have been adjusted the work will be proceeded with. After a reasonable interval I propose to inquire what progress has been made, and shall hope to be able to give a satisfactory Answer to a further Question, should my hon. friend find it desirable to put one at a later date.