40. Mr. TREVELYAN THOMSONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether he is aware that Members of this House were prevented by railway companies' officials from obtaining access to the subway leading from Westminster Underground station to this House when arriving by trains from the West on Thursday, 26th April; and will he make representations to the railway company that on future occasions when it is necessary to restrict and divert passenger traffic that Members desiring to reach this House should still be allowed free access to the underground subway from Westminster station?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThe railway company inform me that on the occasion to which the hon. Member refers, two inspectors were specially stationed at the Bridge Street exit to Westminster Bridge Station in order to arrange that facilities might be given to Members of either House of Parliament to use the subway, notwithstanding the fact that the Bridge Street exit had to be closed to the general public. The company say that they always adopt this practice on occasions such as that in question; and I think that if on future occasions hon. Members who desire to use the subway will make themselves known to the railway company's officials, no difficulties should arise. I regret if any hon. Member has been inconvenienced.
§ Mr. W. THORNEIn anticipation of the marriage of the Prince of Wales, will the hon. and gallant Gentleman make the arrangements indicated in the question?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI think I have already answered quite clearly that two inspectors were there to see that hon. Members, who desired to do so, got through the subway.
§ Mr. BUCHANANIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that one hon. Member at least had considerable difficulty in persuading the police that he was a Member of Parliament? [HON. MEMBERS: "Name!"]
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member should introduce himself all round.