§ 24. Mr. JOHN GUESTasked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that on the Dearne Valley Railway, running from Wakefield to Edlington, near Doncaster, a distance of about 20 miles, and which is used for passenger traffic, there is neither platform accommodation nor shelter of any kind available for passengers at any of the various stopping places; if he is aware that this lack of facilities and accommodation is dangerous and detrimental to health, and prevents the line being of that public service which is desirable and necessary; and if he will take steps to have proper station accommodation provided at the various centres at an early date.
§ Sir E. GEDDESYes, Sir, I am aware of the facts as regards accommodation on the Dearne Valley Railway, but this line is primarily a mineral line and the only service available for passengers is that of rail motor cars. There are no ordinary fully equipped stations and no staff. Increased cost of operating and construction are making it increasingly difficult to operate such lines, and economies must be faced if such lines are to be maintained at all.
§ Mr. GUESTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the very great feeling there is in the district on the matter? The railway provides practically no facilities at all.
§ Sir E. GEDDESI am afraid the feeling will have to continue to exist if the railway cannot be run at a profit.