Mr. BOWER MANasked the nature of the reply received from the Metropolitan District Railway Company to representations recently made concerning the systematic overcrowding of third-class carriages each morning and night, and the desirability of providing additional seating accommodation so as to obviate the existing daily practice of passengers being compelled to travel as strap-hangers?
Mr. TENNANTThe railway company have not made any comments on the points raised in the hon. Member's question of 11th March on this subject. I am sending them a copy of the present, question for any observations they may have to offer and I will communicate with the hon. Member on receipt of their reply.
§ Mr. W. THORNEIs the hon. Gentleman aware that a great deal of overcrowding takes place in the middle of the day in consequence of the company switching off a number of carriages which would be obviated if the Board of Trade would insist on more being run?
Mr. TENNANTNo, I am not aware of that. If the hon. Gentleman informs me that that is so, of course I accept his statement. I will certainly confer with the railway company and ask for an explanation, and, if possible, a remedy.
§ Mr. REESIs it not a fact that if a train is full another comes immediately afterwards, so that anyone who objects to being a strap-hanger can easily wait?
Mr. TENNANTI think you want a great deal of patience to be able to get into an empty train, and great deal of time.
§ Mr. BOWERMANLooking at the very serious inconvenience caused day by day to thousands of working men and women, can the Board of Trade see its way to press the company on this matter?
Mr. TENNANTThe Board of Trade have no statutory power, but we will certainly make representations, and I hope they may have a suitable result.
§ Mr. THORNEAre the Board of Trade willing to apply for more powers?