§ 19. Mr. W. THORNEasked the Minister of Munitions whether he has received a petition from the workers at the Royal Gunpowder Factory, Waltham Cross, using Theobald's Grove Station on the Great Eastern Railway, asking him to direct the Great Eastern Railway Company to re-open the waiting-rooms at this station, as at present the people waiting for trains are left to stand on an unsheltered platform; and, if so, what action has been taken in the matter?
§ The MINISTER of MUNITIONS (Dr. Addison)The station is on a loop line which was closed before the War. The line was re-opened specially for munition workers m March, 1915, and is worked as a tramway line, tickets being issued on the train and no staff being provided at intermediate stations. The platform at Theobald's Grove has an awning extending the length of the train. The company state that to open waiting-rooms would necessitate the provision of a staff which, as they are short-handed, they are unable to supply. But I am making further; inquiries into the matter.