Mr. P. J. POWERasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has yet received any explanation from the Great Southern and Western Railway Company, Ireland, as to why they do not supply foot-warmers or other heating system in third-class carriages on their trains; if so, will he say what the explanation is; and whether it is intended to supply this want?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Churchill)I have now received a reply from the company, in which they state that, owing to the mildness of the climate in the south and west of Ireland, the heating of railway carriages by steam or foot-warmers is hardly required, but that a few of their trains are steam-heated. The company add that they have not received any complaints from passengers as to the want of heating arrangements in their third-class carriages.
Mr. POWERMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman if his Department do not consider it their duty to take some action to place their views before the company in the interests of the comfort and health of people who travel?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLMy authority over railway companies is very limited, and is defined by Statute. Outside the powers which are entrusted to the Board of Trade under the law, I can only proceed by way of representations and make such representations as I can in order to induce them to take a more favourable view of any matter.
§ Mr. G. N. BARNESIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that on the Continental 1990 railways the heating of trains is on a uniform system for first, second, and third classes?
§ Mr. W. THORNEWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of buying out the Irish railways?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat does not arise out of the question.