33. Mr. CARTERasked the Minister of Transport whether the Midland Railway branch line between Sutton town, Notts, and the junction is still closed; that it was closed owing to the War; and will he consider the advisability of reopening the line, as it is causing great inconvenience to the trade of the town?
§ Sir E. GEDDESThis matter is being taken up with the railway company concerned, and I will communicate the result to the hon. Member.
§ 39 and 40. Mr. ATKEYasked the Minister of Transport (1) whether he is aware that the special Report of an investigation by the Board of Trade on the 19th August as to the desirability of reopening the 21 closed exit from the Midland Station opposite Trent Street, Nottingham, was based on the visit of one inspector only, who visited the station at a quiet time when it was impossible to judge the situation either from the point of view of public convenience or safety; is he prepared to be guided by this single official opinion as against the civic authorities, the representative commercial institutions, and the thousands of the travelling public who suffer daily loss and inconvenience;
(2) whether the Report of the inspector to the Board of Trade upon which is based the refusal to open the closed exit at the Midland Railway Station, Nottingham, opposite Trent Street, contains a statement that the actual additional distance which passengers have to walk varies from 90 to 253 yards, where-as the fact is that the distance is 320 yards; in view of this inaccuracy, is he prepared to instruct the Midland Railway Company to reopen this exit; and is he aware that the admitted local irritation and ill-feeling has been intensified by the refusal of the Midland Railway Company to accede to his own suggestion to them that the exits should be reopened for one or two months on trial?
§ Sir E. GEDDESI have nothing to add to the answers which the hon. Gentleman has already received on the subject.
§ Mr. ATKEYWould the right hon. Gentleman say how many Members of Parliament he would consider the equivalent of one permanent official to advise him?
§ Sir E. GEDDESI only take instructions from the Whole House.
§ General CROFTIn view of the fact that my hon. Friend and other hon. Members have asked this question now for many months, will the right hon. Gentleman consider when he can give a reply?
§ Sir E. GEDDESA reply has been given.