HC Deb 06 April 1927 vol 204 cc2068-70
85. Mr. LANSBURY

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has taken any steps to inquire into the reasons why the London, Midland and Scottish Railway Company has reduced the weekday train services and ceased the running of Sunday trains on that section of their railways which runs from Poplar to Broad Street; is be aware that inconvenience is experienced by the people of Hackney, Homerton, Bow, Bromley and Poplar owing to this withdrawal of railway facilities; and will he, in view of the resulting congestion on the roads refer the matter to the London Traffic Advisory Board?

The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Colonel Ashley)

The London, Mid-land and Scottish Railway Company have informed me that the whole question of the train services on their North London section has recently received careful consideration, and that they propose to run during this summer the same service on Sundays as they ran in the summer of 1925. So far as the weekday service is concerned, however, the company consider that this is at least adequate to public requirements.

Mr. LANSBURY

Will the right hon. Gentleman himself cause an inquiry to he made into the running of this railway and the very great inconvenience experienced by people living along the route, who have not been able to use it, and is he aware that the railway has a very paying traffic so far as goods and minerals are concerned, and altogether neglect passengers?

Colonel ASHLEY

On the last point, I think the railway more or less boxes the compass and passengers prefer to use the road, which is quicker. As to the first point, I am already informed as to the services through the London Traffic Advisory Committee, who heard evidence when they investigated the conditions of travelling in East London.

Miss LAWRENCE

Will the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration the lightening of the traffic on the Aldgate and East Ham line, which might be secured by the improvement of this alternative means of transit?

Colonel ASHLEY

I do not think I can really press the company any more. They have given very careful consideration to the matter.

Mr. LANSBURY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the rolling stock on this line is exactly the same as was used 50 years ago, and it is the only railway in the country which has such rolling stock?

Major GLYN

May I state that the rolling stock is being entirely renewed.

Mr. SPEAKER

Order.

Major CRAWFURD

May I ask, if the question is in order, as to which I am not quite sure, whether the right hon. Gentleman himself has power to inquire into complaints made against railway companies, or has he to get the information at second hand from the companies?

Colonel ASHLEY

I have power only to inquire in the case of safety.

Mr. LANSBURY

It is unsafe to travel on this line.