§ 13. Mr. ATKEYasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that there is still a great loss of time and inconvenience caused daily to thousands of the travelling public who use the Midland station at Nottingham owing to the exit opposite Trent Street remaining closed; and will he state whether, under the powers of the Railways Bill, he will be competent to require the Midland Railway Company to re-open this exit?
§ The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Sir Eric Geddes)In reply to the first part of this question, I have nothing to add to my previous answers on the subject. The reply to the second part is in the 564 negative. In this connection, however, I would refer the hon. Member to Clause 12 of the Railways Bill.
§ Lord H. CAVENDISH - BENTINCKWill the right hon. Gentleman accept my assurance that the closing of this exit does entail a great deal of inconvenience to the people of Nottingham?
§ Mr. ATKEYHas the right hon. Gentleman had an opportunity of seeing the petition which I presented to the House containing 20,000 signatures?
§ Sir E. GEDDESI cannot say that I have seen them all, but I have seen many of them.
§ 14. Mr. ATKEYasked the Minister of Transport whether he has been able to ascertain from the Midland Railway Company the information promised on 29th November last in reference to the date when the platform tax was first levied at their Nottingham station and the amount of revenue which has accrued therefrom?
§ Sir E. GEDDESIn accordance with the promise made to my hon. Friend on the 29th November last, I applied for and received from the Midland Railway Company a statement as to the amounts received from the issue of platform tickets and the cost of the staff engaged at the barriers which are similar in amount. The company objects to the exact figures being published, and I do not think the matter is one in which the House would wish me to override the company's view, having regard to the Bill now before this House.