§ 73. Mr. HARDIEasked the Minister of Transport whether he takes any part, in 541 conjunction with railway companies, to deal with large influxes of people to London on such occasions as football matches and other sports of national interest?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThe provision of adequate travelling facilities on railways is a matter for the railway companies. So far as omnibus traffic is concerned, temporary modifications in the Regulations issued under the London Traffic Act are made on special occasions to permit of additional omnibus journeys on restricted streets when I am advised that such relaxation is desirable.
§ Mr. HARDIEAre we to understand that the Minister of Transport has no control over railways putting on trains which are too long, with the result that on the following day they have to put on shorter trains and overcrowding takes place? That is usually the case the day after a big football match?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThe question which concerns me is safety.
§ Mr. HARDIEIs it not a question of safety if a railway company is running too many carriages in one train, and, instead of making up two trains, they run one train with two engines? Has the right hon. Gentleman nothing to do with the regulation of this kind of thing?
§ Colonel ASHLEYYou cannot generalise on a matter like that. Each case must be taken on its merits.
§ Mr. E. BROWNIs the right hon. Gentleman prepared, in connection with the international match on Saturday week, to pay a visit of inspection to the station and see how things go on?
§ Mr. HARDIEIf I can give the right hon. Gentleman an actual case which came under my observation last Sunday at Euston, following the big rugby match, and certain facts which I noticed, and which were noticed by the inspectors, whom I called in—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member must put that question on the Paper.