HC Deb 10 May 1915 vol 71 cc1353-4
14. Mr. FELL

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if trains containing officers and privates who were arriving at and departing from Waterloo Station on their military duty on Saturday, 1st May, were delayed, and their trains in connection in some cases missed, owing to the large number of special trains running, conveying people to a race meeting at Hurst Park; and if it is still proposed to allow special race trains to run from Waterloo Station and interfere with the military service?

The UNDER-SECRETARY Of STATE for WAR (Mr. Tennant)

I have caused full inquiry to be made into this matter. The railway transport officers at Waterloo Station state that no complaints of any sort were made to them of delays to either officers or men on the occasion mentioned.

Mr. FELL

May I ask whether the statements of officers—which the right hon. Gentleman must have seen in the Press—are incorrect?

Mr. TENNANT

I can only say what has been reported to me from the officials of the railway service, and that is the statement which they have made.

Mr. BUTCHER

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries as to whether these abuses have occurred, and take steps that no such abuses shall occur in the future?

Mr. TENNANT

That is very much the inquiry which I have made, and the report comes to me from the responsible railway officials that no complaints of the kind have been made.