HC Deb 16 April 1929 vol 227 cc88-9
5. Mr. DAY

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that many of the Underground trains between the hours of 5 p.m. and 6.30 p.m. are so overcrowded that passengers can hardly obtain standing room and many have to stand on the platform between the car doors; and will he make representations to the management of this railway system with a view to security and the provision of adequate accommodation?

Colonel ASHLEY

I am aware that some crowding occurs on the underground trains between 5 p.m. and 6.30 p.m. when the traffic is at its heaviest, and that at such times passengers sometimes stand on the platforms between the carriages. I am not aware that danger is involved in this practice, but the conditions will be greatly improved when rolling stock of this type has been entirely replaced by rolling stock of the present normal type. This replacement will, I understand, be likely to be completed in October next.

Mr. DAY

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that this condition of affairs is getting worse every night, and cannot he see to it that until the rolling stock is replaced further accommodation is supplied by the Underground?

Colonel ASHLEY

I have inquired into that matter, and I have been informed that trains are run as frequently as possible.

Mr. W. THORNE

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman be good enough to send down one of his inspectors to Aldgate East during the hours between 6.30 and 9 o'clock in the morning so that he may see the excessive overcrowding which takes place; and is he aware that this morning the hon. Member for Plaistow could hardly move his feet at all in the train.

Colonel ASHLEY

I would point out to the hon. Gentleman that this type of carriage will automatically be eliminated almost entirely by October next and that therefore the overcrowding will be removed as far as possible.

Mr. THORNE

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman consider the advisability of having an underground railway right down to the East End similar to that in the West End?

Colonel ASHLEY

If hon. Members opposite had not opposed the Co-ordination Bill, the hon. Member would have had a better opportunity of putting forward his excellent plan.

Mr. THORNE

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that as soon as you start to promote a Bill for improved travelling facilities down East you have to contend with the opposition of all the other railway companies?