HC Deb 08 December 1919 vol 122 cc894-5
43. Mr. ATKEY

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that when the Midland Railway station was rebuilt about sixteen years ago the principal entrance was removed from Station Street, near Trent Street, to Carrington Street, and that, in order to provide for the public demand and convenience, a special entrance and bridge giving direct access to all platforms was specially constructed, the use of which was uninterruptedly enjoyed until February, 1917; that the reason for closing this entrance was the shortage of men due to the War, and that it was understood the convenience would be restored upon the return of the men, and that there is no justification in the minds of anyone beyond the Midland Railway officials for denying to thousands of the travelling public the right of way they have always enjoyed without interruption; and will he again call upon the Midland Railway Company to reopen this closed exit, as their refusal to accede to his previous request has intensified the feelings of local irritation and ill-feeling?

Sir E. GEDDES

So far as I am aware the statements in the first part of the hon. Gentleman's question are correct, but as he was informed in reply to a question on this subject asked on the 1st July last, the closing of the entrance referred to was not a War measure, but was consequential upon an alteration in the arrangements at Nottingham station with a view to restricting the use of the platforms to ticket solders. I am not prepared to take the action suggested in the last part of the question, and I have not requested the Midland Railway in the sense suggested.

Mr. ATKEY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in response to a request signed by a thousand ticket holders at the time it was closed the explanation was given that it was a war measure, and they were appealed to to be patient until Peace returned; and is he aware that the inspector of the Board of Trade who went to the station in order to advise the Ministry visited it at a time when he was not able to judge either of the danger or inconvenience to the public; and is he further aware that I am daily receiving complaints as to this matter?

Mr. SPEAKER

That is a question of which the hon. Gentleman should give notice.

Mr. ATKEY

May I point out that I have asked these questions on two or three previous occasions and the Minister has given no reply to them?

Mr. SPEAKER

He has always given a reply and it has always been in the negative.

44. Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCK

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that goods are now being collected by motor lorry from Nottingham station, taken to Basford some three miles away, and then delivered thence by dray back into Nottingham, in many cases passing the doors of the addressees on their journey to Basford; and whether he proposes to take any steps to deal with this matter?

Sir E. GEDDES

I am having inquiries made into this matter.