HC Deb 22 June 1925 vol 185 cc1081-3
79. Mr. W. THORNE

asked the Minister of Transport if he has been notified that on Monday night, the 15th instant, a man fell out of a train on to the line at Farringdon Street Station,

omnibuses owned by the London General Omnibus Company, Tillings, Southern, South Metropolitan Tramways, Metropolitan, Metropolitan Electric Tramways, British, B.A.T., National, East Surrey Traction Company, Thames Valley Traction Company and other firms, and the total number of licences issued to each of the above firms in January, 1924, and January, 1925?

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

With the hon. Member's permission, I propose to circulate the figures in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The figures are as follow:

and was seriously injured; if he is aware that, in consequence of the shortage of gatemen on the District Railway trains, many of the carriage doors are not closed, which is a danger to the travelling public; and if he will inquire into this matter?

Lieut.-Colonel MOORE-BRABAZON

As regards the first part of this question, the accident referred to occurred on a train belonging to the Metropolitan Railway Company, with whom I am in correspondence on the matter. As regards the second point, I am informed by the Metropolitan District Railway Company that the recent transfer of certain duties from the train staff to the platform staff has led to the doors of the cars being closed more regularly than before, and that no accidents have occurred which could be attributed to this change of practice

Mr. THORNE

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware—which can be demonstrated by most Members who travel over this line either east or west—that the major part of the carriage doors are often left open? Is he aware that this morning when I was travelling on that line nearly all the doors were open the whole time on both sides of the carriage?

Sir H. BRITTAIN

May I ask why the hon. Gentleman did not shut them?

Mr. THORNE

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that when doors are left open it would be dangerous to passengers to shut them when the trains are in motion, and, further, in consequence of his observations, is he aware that it is not the duty of passengers to close doors?

Lieut.-Colonel MOORE-BRABAZON

On the question of trains running with the doors open, the matter will be carefully considered to see that no danger arises.

Sir JAMES REMNANT

What has the Ministry of Transport got to do with the doors of these trains?

Lieut.-Colonel MOORE-BRABAZON

They are responsible for the regulation of railway companies from the point of view of the safety of the public.

Mr. THOMAS

Is it not true that no railway company is allowed to run a train until the doors are closed?

Mr. W. THORNE

Is not the cause of the doors being left open that the railway company have taken the doormen off the trains?