22. Lieut.-Colonel J. SANDEMAN ALLEN forasked the Minister of Transport whether with a view to obviating the excessive overcrowding now prevalent during rush hours on the suburban trains of the Metropolitan Railway, he is prepared to recommend to the London Passenger Transport Board that trains proceeding to a given destination should, as in the case of omnibuses, be run in duplicate, so that accommodation may be provided without any appreciable delay in the second train for those passengers for whom adequate seating or standing facilities are not available in the first of such duplicate trains?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAThe London Passenger Transport Board inform me that they are already running during the peak period, the maximum number of trains which can be worked over the junction at Finchley Road and that in the circumstances it would be impracticable to give effect to my hon. Friend's suggestion. They expect, however, that when their proposals for improving the service on the Metropolitan line, in connection with which they are seeking statu- 1580 tory powers, have been put into operation any overcrowding which at present exists will be eliminated.
§ Mr. THORNEWill the Minister be good enough to consult the Chairman of the Board to see whether it is advisable to run the trains alone in what is known as the rush hour service?