§ 77. Mr. BOWERMANasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport if he is aware that several railway stations in the south-eastern district of London still remain closed, although the original plea of the companies that their closing was the result of the shortage of labour no longer holds good; and whether, as such station closing is a breach of the powers granted by Parliament, he will urge upon the companies the desirability of reopening the stations in the interests of traders and work people?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of TRANSPORT (Mr. Neal)The reply to the first part is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, I am informed that the railway companies do not accept the view that they are under any such legal obligation as that stated by my right hon. Friend.