§ 37. Colonel DAYasked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the accident., on Saturday, 6th November, at the Belsize Park Station (Hampstead Tube), when the clothing of a young lady about to enter a train was caught in the automatic doors; and whether he is satisfied that all reasonable precautions are taken with a view to public safety in this regard?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThe railway company inform me that so far they have not been able to trace that an accident of the kind mentioned in the question occurred, and that the staff at Belsize Park Station have no knowledge of it With regard 1673 to the last part of the question, I have no reason to suppose that all reasonable precautions are not taken in connection with the operation of the pneumatically operated doors on the London Underground Railways.
§ Mr. R. MORRISONIn view of the fact that one of the London evening newspapers published nearly a column, with alarming headlines, about this accident, and in view of the alarming nature of it, cannot the right hon. Gentleman make some inquiries and take some action?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThe hon. Member surely must admit that the railway company ought to know more about it than some newspaper.
§ Mr. MORRISONDoes the right hon. Gentleman not realise that the railway company has a very serious grievance if an alarming report like this is spread, and no accident at all has taken place?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member must not pay too much attention to what he sees in the newspapers.