HC Deb 10 April 1922 vol 153 cc28-9
46. Mr. LYLE

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether he is aware that the crowding on the Underground train services of London is as bad as ever: and whether, seeing that the late Minister of Transport expressed his intention of travelling on the line to test the measure of public inconvenience, he will himself now make this experiment to convince himself of the need for immediate improvement in respect of the seating accommodation?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of TRANSPORT (Mr. Neal)

I am informed by the Underground Railway Companies that, compared with a year ago, they now have in service during hours of pressure 33 additional cars, an increase of about 3 per cent., although the traffic has decreased by, approximately, 5 per cent. They are continuing to do all they can within economic limits to prevent overcrowding, and I do not think that the experiment suggested would be helpful.

Mr. LYLE

Will the hon. Gentleman consider the desirability of making the experiment suggested in the last part of my question?

Mr. NEAL

That would only add a little to the congestion.

Mr. LYLE

Does the hon. Gentleman consider himself a fair substitute for the late Minister of Transport when the question at issue is one of space in a railway train?

Mr. NEAL

Not in point of size, certainly.