§ 51. Mr. Lyonsasked the Minister of Transport whether he will state the regulations that now operate with regard to carriage doors on passenger trains; whether any provisions obtain to secure freedom of egress in the case of emergency; and whether he is satisfied that the use on suburban trains of the London and North Eastern Railway Company of iron bars across carriage doors is consistent with the safety of the travelling public?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaMy inspecting officers have advised me that, in special circumstances, such as exist on these lines, they are satisfied.
§ Mr. LyonsIn view of the danger which appears, can the right hon. Gentleman say what the special circumstances are in these overcrowded and under-equipped trains?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaThe rolling stock is wide and the clearance unusually small. Those are the special circumstances.
§ Mr. LyonsDoes the right hon. Gentlemen think those two factors safeguard the public safety in the overcrowded and under-equipped trains on these lines?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaI am so advised.