§ 39. Mr. KELLYasked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the overcrowding of trains on the Underground railways, particularly on the Underground tube and the Clapham to Edgware line in the mornings, when men, women, and young people are travelling to their work; and will he take steps to insist upon the companies concerned providing better facilities for the travelling public?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThe railway companies concerned have informed me that during recent months they have experienced difficulty in maintaining adequate services owing to the inferior quality of the coal available at the power house, and the delay, as a result of the coal dispute, in the delivery of additional rolling stock on order. They hope that these difficulties will now rapidly disappear, and meanwhile they have been able to arrange for six additional trains to be put into service.
§ Mr. KELLYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this dangerous overcrowding was in operation prior to any stoppage in the coal trade?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThat is not my information, but, if the hon. Member will give me the facts, I will go into them with the railway companies.
§ Mr. W. THORNEWill the right hon. Gentleman advise the various railway 1893 companies to run longer trains in the morning and in the evening, which would obviate a good deal of this difficulty?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI have not gone into that point, but I imagine that possibly the length of the platforms would have something to with it.
§ Mr. THORNEThen lengthen the platforms!