§ 26 and 27. Mr. DENISON-PENDERasked the Minister of Transport (1) whether he is aware that, owing to an apparent shortage of ticket collectors, congestion and delay occurs at Balham Station on the arrival of the evening trains from Victoria; and whether he will ask the railway company to see that two collectors are posted at each exit between the hours of 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and (2) whether he is aware of the overcrowded travelling conditions between Balham and Victoria on the London, Brighton, and South Coast Railway; whether even during the dinner hour, when the trains are shortened, as many as five and six passengers are compelled to stand in each third-class compartment; and whether he will consider the possibility of starting a number of trains from Balham to relieve the morning congestion, and to refrain from detaching coaches from the latter trains where the overcrowding is due to preventable causes?
§ Sir E. GEDDESThere has been considerable increase of traffic at Balham Station, and the possibility of increasing the number of trains is engaging the attention of the railway company, but they are unable at present to put on more trains, as the whole of their electric stock is in use. The service will be improved as soon as motors can be obtained Two additional ticket collectors have been trained for the work at Balham Station, and they took up their duties there on the 17th and 16th December, respectively.
§ 42. Mr. CAIRNSasked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that a train leaves Morpeth at 7.35 a.m., and can arrangements be made for it to start at 8.30 a.m., as that time will suit better miners, teachers, and others going to the colliery districts, the next train at 9.28 a.m. being one and a-half hours late?
§ Sir E. GEDDESThis train is timed to reach Newcastle at the most convenient time for the majority of passengers using it. The detailed arrangements of timetables is a matter for the railway company concerned, who endeavour to meet the convenience of the public to the greatest possible extent. It is obviously impossible, and, I think the House will agree, undesirable to concentrate such detailed matters in the Ministry.
§ Mr. CAIRNSIs the right hon. Gentleman making inquiries on the spot by his agents?
§ 43. Mr. CAIRNSasked the Minister of Transport it he is aware that a train leaves Alamouth at 8.42 a.m. and does not stop at Widdrington and Pegswood, causing inconvenience to many miners; and, seeing that 1,000 employés are working at Pegswood, many of whom live away from the colliery, will he have inquiries made into the matter?
§ Sir E. GEDDESI am informed that an additional train which should meet this difficulty will run from 1st January, but, as stated in my answer to the previous question, the detailed arrangement of time tables is a matter for the railway corn-panics, and I hope hon. Members will support me in my desire not to interfere in such matters from Whitehall.
§ Mr. CAIRNSIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the men cannot get to the pit, and have to walk ten miles?