§ 35. Mr. DAYasked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to a compartment door of a train at Laindon, Essex, being opened before the train had stopped at the station in which more than 30 people standing on the platform were injured; and will he consider asking the railway companies to have doors fitted on steam trains similar to those fitted on electric trains which cannot be opened until the train has stopped at the station platform?
§ The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Mr. Hore-Belisha)The London Midland and Scottish Railway Company inform me that the adoption of the suggestion contained in the hon. Member's question would involve the replacement of the whole of their stock with new vehicles, and in view of the danger which would exist from automatically locking passengers in on ordinary trains, I am not prepared to press the companies in the direction indicated.
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAWe have had repeated communications with various railway companies, but it was the London Midland and Scottish Railway Company which was involved in the incident described in the question.
§ Mr. DAYIf the right hon. Gentleman has had any communication with other railway companies will he say what their replies have been?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAI have indicated the attitude of the Ministry of Transport.