§ 40. Mr. McENTEEasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the serious overcrowding of trains on the London and North-Eastern Railway between Chingford and Liverpool Street during the morning and evening rush hours on weekdays; and what steps he proposes to take to see that adequate railway travelling facilities are provided on this line?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAI am making the railway company aware of the hon. Gentleman's question.
§ Mr. McENTEEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that on the 4th July a man travelling between St. James's Street and the next station died in the train, that the carriage was seriously overcrowded, and that at the inquest it was stated by the medical people giving evidence that had he been able to be laid out instead of made to sit up, it is probable his life would have been saved?
Mr. HORE-BEILISHAI very much regret to hear that, and, while I do not in the least dispute that there may be 1831 very great inconvenience to passengers, even where trains are not overcrowded, it might sometimes happen that a carriage was full and a man could not be laid out.
§ Mr. McENTEEIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware of the continuous overcrowding for the past 20 or more years, and, in view of that fact, will he not take some steps, which up to now he has not taken, in this matter?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAThe Government have taken very powerful and dynamic steps to assist the travelling public of London. I agree that there is still much to be done, and I will use all the influence at my command.