§ 36. Mr. SUMMERSBYasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that automatically-closing gates and loud speakers are now being employed instead of liftmen at the Strand underground station; and whether, in view of the possible danger to the public and also in the interests of employment, he will make representations to the Transport Board against the continuance of this practice?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAI am aware that the London Passenger Transport Board are now using new automatic control equipment at some of the lifts at their Strand station. Similar automatic lifts have been in satisfactory operation for about two And a half years at another station on the board's system and I am advised that there is no reason for apprehending danger to the public in connection with such use. I am, however, watching the experiment from this point of view.
§ Mr. SUMMERSBYDoes not my hon. Friend think that this great London Passenger Transport Board has set the nation a very bad example by employing mechanical devices instead of labour when no great economy is effected; and is it not entirely contrary to the wishes expressed by His Majesty the King?