HC Deb 06 August 1913 vol 56 cc1481-2
69. Mr. W. A. REDMOND

asked the Secretary to the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the overcrowded condition of the trains in various parts of this country, and to the delay caused thereby in their arrival at their destinations and the failure to make period connections generally, and especially during the Bank Holiday; and whether he will make representations to the railway companies in order to prevent a repetition of this inconvenience to the public?

Mr. BUXTON

The great pressure of holiday traffic at this time of year, and particularly on or before the Bank Holiday, is bound to result in a certain amount of public inconvenience, and I am afraid that some delays are unavoidable. Generally speaking, I think that the railway companies make creditable efforts to cope with the traffic, but if my hon. Friend has any special case in mind and will furnish me with particulars, I will consider whether I can usefully make representations to the companies concerned.

Mr. W. A. REDMOND

Has the right hon. Gentleman himself ever been delayed on those railways, and, if he has, may I ask is it not much more likely that ordinary individuals would suffer greater inconvenience?

Mr. BUXTON

In these times there is much more pressure than ordinarily. If my hon. Friend will bring any special case under my notice I shall be glad to consider it.