§ Mr. SUMMERBELL(for Mr. Hudson) asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been called to the change made by the Metropolitan District Railway Company in placing the side exit doors of their electric trains out of control of the guards and conductors who work the trains; whether the company have taken steps to secure the safety of passengers travelling by such trains; and, if so, whether these steps have received the sanction of his Department?
Mr. TENNANTI am aware of the alteration to which the hon. Member refers. The particular arrangement adopted does 602 not require the sanction of the Board of Trade, but I have been in communication with the company, who have informed me that a sufficient platform staff is employed, and detailed instructions have been issued for ensuring, so far as possible, that all carriage doors are closed before a train leaves the station. The company also state that they are providing an improved apparatus for the easier working of the doors.