§ 94. Mr. ATKEYasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the information supplied to him by the Midland Railway Company in respect of the opening of one of the closed entrances to their Nottingham station is incorrect, and that the opening of the entrance opposite Trent Street would not involve any additional booking office accommodation or the appointment of any additional booking clerks, none of which have ever been provided at this entrance prior to its closure; whether he has caused an inspector to be sent down to make inquiries on the spot; and, if so, whether he will be instructed to make inquiries from the town clerk on behalf of the corporation and the secretary to the chamber of commerce as to the views and convenience of the travelling public?
§ Sir A. GEDDESIt appears to me that if the policy of the company, namely, to convert Nottingham Station from an open to a closed one, is continued, the opening of an additional entrance will necessarily involve additional booking-office accommodation. I am asking an inspecting officer of railways to take an opportunity of visiting the station, but if the corporation or chamber of commerce desire to offer any observations it would, I think, 2115 be convenient if they would do so is writing before the inspecting officer visits the place.
§ Mr. ATKEYMay I ask why it should be necessary for that to be provided now, when prior to the closing for fifteen or twenty years the accommodation existing was available without either booking office or attendants?
§ Sir A.. GEDDESMy hon. Friend does not appear to have listened to the reply to the question, that
if the policy of the company to convert Nottingham Station from an open to a closed one is continued, the opening of an additional entrance will necessarily involve additional booking-office accommodation.
§ Mr. ATKEYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Great Central station at Nottingham is a closed station under precisely similar conditions, and why should not the Midland Company provide the accommodation which is demanded by the travelling public at Nottingham?
§ Sir A. GEDDESMy hon. Friend will remember that, at his suggestion, we decided to send an inspecting officer of railways to look at the station, and that without the plans before me I could not say whether the description is accurate.